Full text of "Play Meter - Volume 21, Number 3 February 1995 (600DPI)"

See other formats

| ' i: : ' , } | ee . ;
% ; | é f ) a ) . | é | .
| f j 1 1 | ' | | ’ \ : 7
| 1 | A ‘ y | i | ; 7 | F
| i f ; j | , f j
| | / \ é a | | |
a } | | Ye .
q 5

i | j \ f | \ : \ .

{ j j . \ i | | j |S | .
| j j ' : , ! ‘
| | i j ‘ ! | | i ;

| J , \ 1 ' '
4 wad | , | x ud ‘

~ VOLUME 21, No. 3 ‘ FOR THE COIN-OP ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FEBRUARY 1995
q | ae. : | |

sie ei: 4
| | | eee i

<r new a

f , 5 eee \ *
TAX AND MANAGEMENT ISSUE ‘

- % ——

THE BIG CHOICE
| SIMPLY THE SMARTEST CHOICE!

The Fun Merchants family of cranes.
The most dependable crane in the
industry. The outstanding workman-
ship that goes into each and every
part, guarantees our cranes are built to
last. Proven reliability for over sixty
years has made us the industry leader.

We offer a variety of sizes and formats
to complement every location.

Fun Merchants Cranes... the smart
choice.

H. BETT! INDUSTRIES, INC.

A Division of H. Betti Industries, Inc. 303 Paterson Plank Road « Carlstadt, NJ 07072-2307 * 800-524-2343 * 201-438-1300 * FAX 201-438-4837

DOLLAR COIN BACK ON FRONT BURNER

While Congress is in a cost-saving and balanced
budget mode, AMOA feels that 1) the dollar coin issue
is sure to gain attention, and 2) the time is right for pas-
sage of dollar coin legislation that has bounced around
in Congress since 1987. AMOA has contracted with
Valis Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting
firm, to spearhead a major effort to gain approval ofa
dollar coin during the new 104th Congress that took of-
fice in January.

Said AMOA president Tami Norberg-Paulsen: “A
dollar coin is extremely important to the future of our
membership and the industry. The chances for passage
in this political climate are excellent, but we felt some-
thing more was needed than was done in the past. Valis
Associates’ qualifications and expertise are highly re-
garded in the nation’s capital. We feel they will be of
great help in securing passage of a new dollar coin.”

AMOA is astrong advocate of the dollar coin at the
grassroots political level, through its Washington, D.C.,
activities, and in its support of the efforts of The Coin
Coalition, a broad-based Washington coalition of di-
verse industries. The U.S. General Accounting Office
conservatively estimates that the federal treasury
would save $395 million a year by replacing the $1 pa-
per bill with a $1 coin. The United States remains the
only major industrialized nation in the world that does
not have a widely used dollar coin in mass circulation.

BETSON ACQUIRES EASTERN DISTRIBUTORS

Joe Cirillo, president of Betson Enterprises in Carl-
stadt, N.J., announces the company’s acquisition of
certain assets of Eastern Distributors in Philadelphia.
Pa. The new Betson-Philadelphia office will officially
open on March 1. Eastern president Phil Sternberg and
vice president Morris Zacher will pursue other ven-
tures; the remaining staff will become Betson employ-
ees. More details will follow in the March issue.

SONY ESTABLISHES EUROPEAN OFFICE

Sony Electronic Publishing Co. and Sony Comput-
er Entertainment Inc. announce the establishment of
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, which will be
responsible for the European introduction of Sony’s
new 32-bit, CD-based video game system, the PlaySta-
tion. Chris Deering, formerly executive vice president
of sister Sony company Columbia TriStar Home Video
International, has been named president of the new
company. Deering considers the PlayStation “a unique
opportunity for Sony to marry its entertainment and
technology assets into a breakthrough home video
game product.”

In other Sony news, company president Olaf Olafs-
son announced the promotion of Steve Race to the post
of president of Sony Computer Entertainment of
America. Race was formerly executive vice-president
and general manager.

SEGA RELEASES VIRTUA FIGHTER 2

Sega Enterprises Inc. USA announces the long-
awaited release of Virtua Fighter 2, which uses Sega’s
new Model 2 Hardware System that generates 300,000
polygons-per-second. VF2 succeeds the popular VF1
and features new fighting arenas, two new characters,

PLAY METER

NEWS BULLETIN

texture-mapped graphics, 60 frames per second, and
500 all-new moves. Sega shared some player com-
ments with us, which indicated player appreciation of
a fighting game that focuses on the technique of mar-
tial arts without blood.

In other Sega news, Sega Pinball Inc. announces the
appointment of Deith Distributing Inc. as a factory au-
thorized distributor for its pinball product line. Deith
will represent the line in the state of New York, witha
heavy emphasis on Long Island. Operators in the area
are invited to visit Deith to see Sega Pinball’s latest re-
lease, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Deith is located at
84 Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights, N.Y., (516) 621-1234;
FAX (516) 621-1238.

DYNAMO REACHES MILESTONE

Dynamo Ltd. reports it has shipped its 1,000th video
gaming terminal. Dynamo, which is known primarily
for its line of table games, holds a manufacturer's li-
cense for legalized gaming machines in Montana and
Louisiana. The 1,000th unit, a High Country Video Poker
terminal, was shipped to Montana in early January.

Dynamo has also acquired the software and hard-
ware related to video gaming terminals from Merit
Corp. of Bensalem, Pa., which had over 2,500 video
gaming machines in Montana. With the acquisition, Dy-
namo has gained a stronger foothold in Montana, while
gathering momentum to expand its products into oth-
er states as well.

ROCK-OLA AND G-TEL ADDRESS CHANGES

Rock-Ola Mfg./Antique Apparatus Co. has a new
address, phone, and FAX in Illinois: 5233 N. Pearl! St.,
Rosemont, IL 60018; (708) 928-2121; FAX (708) 928-2121.
The company’s California address remains the same.
G-TEL Enterprises Inc. has moved to larger quarters in
Texas: 16840 Clay Road #113, Houston, TX 77084. G-Tel’s
telephone and FAX numbers remain the same: (800)
884-4835 or (713) 550-5592; FAX (713) 550-1028.

ALG BENEFITS COWBOY FUND

American Laser Games joined with the U.S. Tobacco
Co. to donate $1,000 to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund
at the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association convention held
recently at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. ALG set
up two Fast Draw Showdown arcade video games at
U.S. Tobacco’s Copenhagen Skoal display at the event.
Booth visitors had the opportunity to try their quick-
draw skills against 60 filmed gunfighters. All proceeds
collected from the machines were donated to the fund.
Said Stan Jarocki, vice president of marketing and
sales for ALG: “Cowboys and the rodeo are a favorite
topic of mine, and many of our games are set in the Old
West, so it is fitting that we proudly support this fund.”

CCl ROLLS OUT TWO NEW GAMES

Coin Concepts Inc. announces the debut of two new
games on the heels of its popular Home Run Hitter coin
drop game. The titles are Triple Play, anew Pick 3-style
lottery game that allows players to win a possible 1,000
tickets, and Over the Rainbow, a spin-the-wheels, skill-
stop game that awards tickets for achieving certain
symbol combinations. A

FEBRUARY 1995

‘Quality is Our Family Tradition’

800-227-5813

FAX: 408-649-3318

CAPS

NEW SERIES
OF 108
NUMBERED CAPS

SLAMMERS

DIE STRUCK
SOLID BRONZE
STOCK OR CUSTOM

PACKAGED
PRODUCT
AVAILABLE

CLAM SHELL
PACKS

HOFFMAN & HOFFMAN

P.0. Box 896, Carmel, CA 93921

PLAY METER

PLAY \FETER

agazine

Founder’ Ralph C. Lally Il
Publisher Carol P. Lally
President Carol Ann Lally Durand

Editor Valerie Cognevich
Managing Editor Bonnie Theard
Associate Editor Steve White
Art Director Jane Z. Nisbet
Production Assistant Mary Henderson
Contributing Writers Irving Blackman, Francine
Burrier, Rich Holley, Greg
Reeves, Frank Seninsky,
Dave Stubblefield,
Paul Virgadamo
Technical Writers Vic Fortenbach, Randy Fromm
Director of Advertising Ron Kogos
Advertising Representative Sumio Oka
Tokyo, Japan 3502-0656
Classified Advertising Carol Lea LeBell
Circulation/Office Manager Renée C. Pierson

Editorial Offices P.O. Box 24970
New Orleans, LA 70184

Telephone (504) 488-7005

FAX (504) 488-7083

PLAY METER MAGAZINE, February 1995, Volume 21, No.3. Copyright 1995 by Sky-
bird Publishing Company. PLAY METER MAGAZINE (ISSN 1048-8243) is published
monthly, except for the two issues in January. Publishing office: 6600 Fleur de
Lis, New Orleans, LA 70124. MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 24970, New Orleans, LA
70184, USA Phone: 504/488-7003; FAX 504/488-7083. Subscription rates: U.S. and
Canada--$60. Advertising rates are available upon request. NO PART OF THE
MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT EXPRESS PERMISSION. The editors are
not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. PLAY METER MAGAZINE buys ALL
RIGHTS, unless otherwise specified, to accepted manuscripts, cartoons, art-
work, and photographs. Second-class postage paid at New Orleans, LA 70113
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER Send Form 3579 to Play Meter Mag-
azine, P.O. Box 24970, New Orleans, LA 70184.

4 FEBRUARY 1995

El pOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE WITH DOUBLE PROFITS!

ie, _ TWO NEW BIG MONEY MAKERS FROM JALECO? =

(<<

AN HUNAN

JALECO’S new watch crane is ideal for truck stops, arcades
and bowling alleys. It has been tested and proven to be a
WINNER in these locations.

(

Contact your local JALECO distributor for more information.

DIMENSIONS its
¢Width...3 © height...6.3’ « length...3’ © Weight...330 Ibs

ms RAN ponies :
Ree J Pe

bei tae i

Alley Cats © is a trademark of Williams Electronics Games, Inc
Used under license. All rights reserved

If you operate an arcade, bowling center, family fun center or amusement
park ..this game is a MUST. Players try to knock down all rows of cats to

achieve the purr-fect score. The game play appeals to players of all ages.
Alley Cats is fully operator adjustable, and is earning GREAT!
e Contact your local JALECO distributor for delivery.

* ALLEY CATS game idea licensed from Upper East Tennessee Distributing

DIMENSIONS: ¢ Width...2.5’ © Height...6.3’ © Length...3’
¢ Weight approx...800 Ibs.

JALECO LTD.
2-19-Yohga, Setagaya-ku Tokyo 158, Japan
Tel. 03-3708-4830 Fax 03-3708-4822 Telex J 27891

au te

JALECO USA,INC
685 Chaddick Drive Wheeling I! 60090, U.S.A.
Tel. 708-215 -1811 Fax. 708-215-2642

JALECO EUROPE
188 Brent Crescent London ,NW 10 OQT, England

Tel.4481 838 4600 Fax. 44 81 838 4515

e Same day shipment
on stock orders.

e Receive custom
orders in 3 weeks.

e FREE design service.

e Buy direct from the
Mint and save.

Check Our Quality.
Request Free Sample Pack.

Roger
Williams
Mint"

79 Walton Street, P.O. Box 2350
Attleboro, MA 02703-0350
In Massachusetts call (508) 226-3310

PLAY METER

TABLE OF
CONTENTS

Volume 21. No. 3 February 1995

FEATURES
Business Feature: Depreciation 48

There is a more advantageous method of calculating the depreci-
ation on video games: income forecasting. Back in 1993, then-
AMOA president Craig Johnson obtained a private letter ruling
that gave operators a tax break. Revisit the ruling and learn how
other operators apply it to their businesses. If you haven't adopted
the method, here’s all you need to know to give it a try. |

Walking the tax and
management tightrope 57

Our tax and management experts have done it again—produced
an insightful series of articles (21 pages to be exact) aimed at help-
ing the small businessman well in advance of the dreaded IRS
deadline, April 15. This special section has become a tradition, one
we are happy to continue, with the help of Irving Blackman and
Channing Hayden.

Riverboat Expo ) 94
Riverboat gaming is a growth market, and it’s no wonder. As gam-
bling measures go, proposals to legalize riverboats enjoy more fa-
vor with legislators than proposals to legalize video poker games.
Find out what transpired at the recent trade show that showcased
gaming equipment and related products for riverboats, plus ex-
cerpts from seminars.

DEPARTMENTS

News Bulletin 3 Guest Commentary 44
Letters 8 ACME Action 56
From the Editor 10 Dollars & Sense 100
Equipment Poll 12 ‘Tournaments & Leagues 106
Up Front 16 Player’s Perspective 109
Coin-Op News 18 Technical Topics 112
International Scene 28 What’s New 119
Who's News 34 Classified 125
Cover Story 38 Calendar 164

COVER

Benchmark Entertainment's Al Kress, Arnold Kaminkow, and
Ron Halliburton, who brought gold to the coin-operated inter-
active skill redemption business, are pictured with their Gold-
en Goose progressive target ticket-out game, Roll for Gold
straight target ticket-out game, and their latest release, Gold-
en Goose digital display metal-out game.

6 FEBRUARY 1995

SAAS

ei)
a
wake

TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT!

- rey ,
m, am |
a.
a.) ne le

me f a

e 2 NEW FIGHTERS

ALL NEW ARENAS

TEXTURE-MAPPED GRAPHICS

e 500 NEW MOVES

e 60 FRAMES PER SECOND

By er ee

| oil a =
4

EVEN MORE REALISTIC ANIMATION

IRTWAYEIGHTER ?P

SEGA

COMES OUT

FIGHTING!

SEGA ENTERPRISES, INC. (USA) @ 275 SHORELINE DRIVE, SUITE 201 @ REDWOOD CITY, CA 94065
(415) 802.3100 e FAX (415) 802.3120

QUARTER HORSE

Comes Alive iu ‘95!

COMING SOON - the 795 version of the
most popular horse racing game from the
"80's"... NEW! IMPROVED! NEW CAB-
INETS! A WHOLE NEW LOOK! NEW
RACES! NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART
VIDEO! NEW ELECTRONICS!
Distributorships available World-Wide!
CONTACT:

EXPORT CO., INC.

1645 Falmouth Rd. E-2, Centerville, MA 02632
Telephone (508) 771-6088 - FAX (508) 771-6119

SST LS

PLAY METER

LETTERS

Costly complaint

I operate a vending company, with more than
2,000 pieces of equipment, in Michigan's upper
peninsula. I have a yearly equipment budget of
$200,000. I am really starting to feel exploited by
the equipment cost and angry at the quality of
equipment I get for my money.

Every new Data East or Gottlieb piece I buy
absolutely has to stay in the shop for a week and
be gone over to finish building it before I can put
it on location. Iam paying about $3,100 a game
and feel it should be ready to go.

A new Dynamo Air Hockey at $2,400! Tell me
how much research and development has gone
into air hockey in the last 10 years.

I absolutely refuse to buy any Williams prod-
uct new. To me their machines are overpriced to
the max, and I refuse to let them stick it to me.

If these manufacturers are not smart enough
to know that they have to put out good products
at a fair price, I have to believe that their days
are numbered.

If there are other operators who feel this way,
let your distributors and manufacturers know
your feelings. Without us, the operator, these
people will be out of work in no time.

Dewey Baldwin
Superior Vending Inc.
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

Kind recognition

I wanted to write on behalf of everyone at Val-
ley Recreation Products to congratulate the
Play Meter staff for the contributions made dur-
ing the “first 20 years,” as well as your dedication
to the coin industry.

The time and commitment you have given to
the industry is evident by the magazine you pub-
lish every month. There are not many “8 to 5”
jobs, if any, in this industry, and the frequent fly-
er miles add up fast!

Recognition comes in a variety of ways. Please
trust that Valley will continue to support Play
Meter as you have so well supported us over the
years.

Richard B. Shelton
President

Valley Recreation
Products Inc.

Bay City, Mich.

FEBRUARY 1995

Now heres a game
with

NIGHTCLUB
SPORTSBAR GAME:

140 1995 AAMA STREET LOCATION SURVEY

SSO EON

tt a

S()()” RETURN ON INVESTMENT =
ACTUAL SIX MONTH TEST LOCATION INCOMEREPORTS
The live-action collection of fast draw gun slingers makes it " }
High Noon any time of day. 4801 Lincoln Rd. NE

Players line up to take them on--and on and on. Albuquerque, NM 87109

Run to your phone and call us today for distributor referral! (505)880- 1718

Valerie Cognevich
Editor

PLAY METER

FROM THE EDITOR

The good far

outweighs the bad

ou’ve heard people say that the good out-
weighs the bad when talking about a lot of
things. And while the good might not really
outweigh the bad, it’s usually the good part
that takes hold in our minds.

Nothing cements this better than to at-
tend a class reunion. You'll see your old
school chum, and suddenly a fun, memo-
rable time comes to mind. You can't help
but recall that fantastic trip to the beach
when your tan began to deepen and that re-
ally, really cute guy sat down by you and
asked for your phone number. Oh, what a
day!

Of course, you totally
have forgotten that your
friend burnt to a crisp,
her swim suit fell off in
the ocean, her tinted
hair turned green, and
she saw her boyfriend
walking along the water
hand-in-hand with an-
other girl.

That astonished look on
her face when you recall
that picture-perfect day
is enough to make you
realize that maybe it
wasn't so perfect in her
eyes. In fact, maybe she
won't even remember it,
something like amnesia
to block out the most
horrible times.

Anyway, children can
sometimes do just the
opposite. Once you are an adult, you travel
back to your childhood and focus on one
event that seems to have affected your fu-
ture. You'll confront your parents about
that day they wouldn’t let you go with your
friends to (fill in the blank). In your mind it
positively ruined your entire life. You were
probably surprised to realize that the folks
didn’t even recall what you were talking
about. Again, everyone sees things from
different viewpoints.

Here’s a quick true story illustrating the
point: Iran into aman who had acrush on
me when we were in the ninth grade. He
told me how excited he had been when I
agreed to go to the local fair with him. He
remembered that I let him hold my hand
and that it was the happiest day of his life.
Here’s my side of that day: he had asked me
out so many times that I finally said I’d go
because I didn't have anything else to do. I
even explained that if something better
came along, I would do that. Anyway, dur-
ing the day he stepped on a pack of

ketchup, and it squirted all over my brand
new shorts and white shirt. He did hold my
hand but it was shortlived—just long
enough for me to notice he had cotton can-
dy melted onto his palm. Well, needless to
say, it was not one of my most cherished
memories.

Our industry is so typical of a vast array
of viewpoints spanning the many decades
we ve had a coin-op industry. Even when
you bring up something that you perceive
as being good, there’s always someone with
memories of the negative aspect of it. This
past year, the industry was bombarded with
the issue of violence in games. It’s a subject
that will go down in the industry's history to
be dredged up time and again. What will we
say about it in the future? Those opposed to
the graphic violence will praise the rating
board and gush that it was only the act of
placing these ratings that saved a genera-
tion of youth from witnessing savagery at
its worst. Others will lambaste the whole
concept as a total waste of time, claiming
that ratings only alert the kids to the objec-
tionable games, and suddenly it’s only
those they want to play.

When video gaming became legal in
Louisiana, some called it a Godsend, while
others viewed it as the devil’s work. I re-
member sitting in on some of the early
meetings between the police and opera-
tors. If you ask each side about some of
those early meetings, I’d be willing to bet
(no pun intended) that their memories
would be vastly different.

Nothing has stirred up more controver-
sy than gambling in any way, shape, or
form. Even redemption is viewed in some
areas as gambling. Opponents have gone
so far as to call redemption a way to teach
youngsters the value of gambling. Yes, it
sounds absurd to us, but those spouting this
opinion are firm in their beliefs. They are as
sure they are right as we’re sure they're
wrong.

Our 20th anniversary issue was an op-
portune time to relive some of the indus-
try’s past events. We received some won-
derful phone calls from our readers on our
December issue with stories of their own
memories of a certain game, a show, ora
story we recounted. It was fun, they said, to
see old photos and remember what they
were doing when certain games came out.
Thanks to all of you who called and a very
special thanks to those who placed a con-
gratulatory ad in that issue. We’ll have
some more anniversary issues for you in
five, 10,20, and more years from now. Keep
reading, we're making history! A

FEBRUARY 1995

For sales infor ati in and distributor referral
please call 800-858-RIDE

Manufactured and Markete: by St Kio Rides ing. / KIDDIE’S

EQUIPMENT POLL

GAME

—

—
wS)

Ou KRWNM

NOOB WD

SCOMNAUAWNE

ONMA AWD S

HDCOMNRUAWNY

ALLEY BOWLERS

. Skee-Ball
. Smartball

SPORTS GAMES

. Sonic Blast Man

Full Court Frenzy

. Shoot to Win!

Arm Champs
Around the World
Hoop Shot

Two Minute Drill

. Slugfest
. Champ. Basketball
. UB-QB Football

SINGLE COIN PUSHERS

. Klondike
. Jungle Jive

CRANES

. Classic Watch Crane

Clean Sweep

Watch Shoppe Crane
Candy Crane

Big Choice

Skill Crane

. Challenger
. Jumbo Crane

CHILDREN’S GAMES

. Lil Dump the Ump

Paint ‘N Puzzle

. Shoot to Win! Jr.

Smart Toss ‘Em

. 1/2 Pint Frenzy

The Flintstones

Super Mario Mushroom

Jr. All American
Awesome Toss Em

. Bozo Basketball
. Skee-Toss B.C.

. Toss ‘Em

BALL ROLL DOWNS

. Clown Rolldown

. Spin to Win

. Jungle Rama

. Quackers

. Shake, Rattle & Roll

Rock ‘N Roll 4
NOVELTY

. Dinoscore

. Flingshot

. Ribbit Racin
. Whac-A-Mole
. Flip ‘N Win

. Buddy Bear

. Pop-A-Ball

PLAY METER

POINT POINT
MFG. VALUE | GAME MFG. VALUE
8. Super Mario Bros. (Fabtek) 7.67
(Skee-Ball) 7.18 9. The Flintstones (Lazer-Tron) 7.67
(Smart) 6.00 10. Dump the Ump (Doyle) 7.50
11. Simple Simon (Am. Sammy) 7.33
(Taito) 825 12. Pop-A-Slot (Coastal) 7.00
(.C.E) 6.92 13. Knock Down (Meltec) 6.63
(Smart) 6.92 14. Hop-A-Tic-Tac-Toe (Data East) 6.57
(JJaleco) 6.80 15. Feed Big Bertha (Smart) 6.36
(UET) 6.67 16. Neck ‘N Neck (Bundra) 6.20
(Doyle) 6.60 17. Coin Circus. (Am. Sammy) 6.00
(Taito) 6.33 18. Big Mouth (Meltec) 5.90
(Williams) 6.12 19. Hot Shot Basketball (Williams) 5.60
(Grayhound) 5.50 20. Pogger (Lazer-Tron) 5.40
(National Sports) 5.13 21. Bouncing Bandit i(CcY 5.00
22. Boom Ball (Meltec) 5.20
(Fun Merchants) 9.25 23. Cosmo Gang (Data East) 5.00
(Coastal) 8 60 24. Hungry Hungry Hippos’ U.C.E.) 5.00
COIN DROP GAMES
(Smart) 8.75 1. Super Wheel ‘Em In (Bromley) 9.00
(Smart) 7.94 2. Wheel ‘M In (Bromley) 3.33
(CCD 7.00 3. Rock ‘N Bowl (Bromley) 8.22
(Smart 6.87 4. Home Run Hitter (CCD 8.00
(Fun Merchants) 6.25 5. Roll for Gold (Benchmark) 8.00
(Grayhound) 6.17 6. Aftershock (Lazer-Tron) 7.60
(Wedges/Ledges) 5.50 7. Super Bank-It (Lazer-Tron) 125
(Grayhound) 5.40 8. Super Rock ‘N Bowl (Bromley) 6.67
9. Addams Family Values (Midway) 6.25
(Doyle) 8.50 10. Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega) 6.20
(Century) 7.67
(Smart) 7.25
(Smart) 7.20 PINBALLS
.C.E.) 7.00
.C.E.) 6.75 POINT LONGEVITY
(Premier) 6.25 GAME VALUE POINTS
a ies ‘ cs 1. Star Trek:
ese phd se Next Generation (Williams) — 7.58 709
(Skhee-Ball/ 2. The Addams Family (Bally) 7.46 1991
Fun Merchants) 5.17 3. Freddy (Premier) 1.33 123
(CCI/UETD) 5.00 4. World Cup Soccer (Bally) 7.24 1937
5. Shag Attack (Premier) TAT 4]
(Bay Tek) 8.25 6. Red & Ted's
(Lazer-Tron) 7.67 Road Show (Williams) 7.14 97
(Lazer-Tron) 7.60 7. Tales from the
(Seidel) 6.67 Crypt (Data East) 7.08 370
oo ete 8. Rescue 911 (Premier) 7.00 367
y 9. Jurassic Park (Data East) 6.86 771
10. Demolition Man (Williams) 6.81 324
(Planet Earth) 8.75 11. The Who’s Tommy
(Planet Earth) 8.50
(Lazer-Tron) 8 99 Pinball Wizard (Data East) 6.81 279
(Bob’s Space) 3.00 12. Maverick (Sega) 6.75 83
(Planet Earth) 8.00 13. Indiana Jones (Williams) 6.65 664
(Smart) 8.00 14. Guns N’ Roses (Data East) 6.65 192
(Coastal) 71 15. Last Action Hero (Data East) 6.54 435

i game 1 receives 60 0 points, #2 game receives 59 points, etc.) “Indicates new or Penppsariog games.

FEBRUARY 1995

EQUIPMENT POLL

MO.ON MO.IN POINT LONGEVITY
GAME CHART TOP 10 GAME VALUE POINTS
1. Killer Instinct (Midway) 1 1 1. Killer Instinct (Midway) 9.21 60
_ oe e : 2. Daytona USA (Sega) 9.14 299
. Cruisin idway ae
‘, Soaiiea # ors 8 omen 9 9 3. Cruisin’ USA (Midway) 9.08 175
5. Solitaire Challenge (Dynamo) 8 5 4. ners 8 Hours 2 (Namco) 8.50 496
6. Star Trek: 5. Solitaire
Next Generation (Williams) 13 12 Challenge (Dynamo) 8.07 346
7. The Addams Family (Bally) 35 35 6. Out Runners (Sega) 7.46 894
8. Mortal Kombat II (Midway) 15 15 7. Lucky & Wild (Namco) 7.36 592
9. Out Runners (Sega) 17 17
10. Lucky & Wild (Namco) 18 4 8. Suzuka 8 Hours (Namco) 7.50 484
11. Freddy (Premier) 3 3 9. Fast Draw (Am. Laser) 7.20 144
12. Suzuka 8 Hours (Namco) 9 9 10. Under Fire (Taito) 7.20 229
13. aeeranes yearn (SNK) 3 2 11. Primal Rage (TWD 7.19 264
14. Raiden abte 2 1 ;
12. Virtua Racing (Sega) 7:13 1418
15. World Cup Soccer (Bally) 7 7 13. T-MEK aan é 7411 993
16. Fast Draw (Am. Laser) 5 2 oly ar
17. Under Fire (Taito) 7 9 14. Lethal Enforcers II (KonamwW 7.08 383
18. Primal Rage (TWD 5 4 15. Virtua Fighter (Sega) 6.65 549
19. Drug Wars (Am. Laser) 11 8
20. Shag Attack (Premier) 1 1
21. Red & Ted’s
Road Show (Williams) 2 2 VIDEO KITS
22. Virtua Racing (Sega) 27 25
28. TMEK CHD ee = ae
24. Lethal Enforcers II (Konami) 9 4
25. Tales from the Crypt (Data East) 14 7 1. Mortal Kombat II (Midway) 7.46 873
: & D aires sei (Capcom) : ° 2. Samurai Shodown II (SNK) 1.27 92
. Rescue remier
2. DX (Fabtek) 7.25 58
28. NBA JAM Tournament (Midway) 9 9 4 eee rei a . 7 717 1027
29. Jurassic Park (Data East) 20 15 assis Baier nar is
30. Biatdon If (haiiek) 1A 1A 5. D&D Tower of Doom (Capcom) 7.06 332
ne 7 6. NBA JAM Tourn. (Midway) 6.93 387
31. Demolition Man (Williams) 9 8 ;
32. The Who’s Tommy (Data East) 10 4 7. Raiden Il (Fabtek) 6.86 560
33. Maverick (Sega) 9 1 8. King of Fighters (SNK) 6.67 88
34. King of Fighters (SNK) 4 9 9. Lethal Enforcers (Konamv 6.63 1311
35. Virtua Fighter (Sega) 11 10 10. Alien vs. Predator (Capcom) 6.52 237
36. Indiana Jones (Williams) 16 14 11. tne cinco A (SNK) 6.50 87
37. Guns N’ Roses (Data East) 5 3 12. DarkStalkers (Capcom) 6.48 201
38. Lethal Enforcers (Konami) 28 28 13. Windjammers (Data East) 6.44 100
39. Last Action Hero (Data East) id 5 14. Battletoads (Electronic Arts) 6.25 12
40. Alien vs. Predator (Capcom) 7 6 15. Corvette (Bally) 6.06 74
41. Aero Fighters 2 (SNK) 5 3 16. Mortal Kombat (Midway) 5.95 1332
42. DarkStalkers (Capcom) 5 4 17. SSF II Turbo (Capcom) 5.93 163
43. Star Wars (Data East) 27 11 18. World Rally (TWD 5.92 407
44. Windjammers (Data East) 4 2 19. Street Slam (Data East) 5.91 27
45. Revolution-X (Midway) 7 4 20. Super Sidekicks 2 (SNK) 5.82 21
46. Twilight Zone (Bally) 22 20 21. World Heroes Jet (SNK) 5.82 117
47. Fish Tales (Williams) 29 18 ;
48. Cybersled (Namco) 14 5 ae ee eee ae
49. Battletoads (Electronic Arts) 1 0 23 rile lta wii aa
50. Jurassic Park (Sega) 20 14 ana ;
Mile Rally (Kaneko) 5.60 41
51. Ridge Racer (Namco) 12 8
52. NBA JAM (Midway) 10 4 24. Samurai Shodown (SNK) 5.47 532
53. Corvette (Bally) 3 9 25. Golden Axe Revenge (Sega) 5.45 373
54. Mortal Kombat (Midway) 28 25 26. SSF I (Capcom) 5.38 107
55. White Water (Williams) 24 14 27. Twin Eagle II (Seta) 9.33 :
56. SSF II Turbo (Capcom) 8 5 28. Spinmaster (Data East) 5.33
57. World Rally (TWD 16 2 29. King of the
58. Street Slam (Data East) 2 1 Monsters 2 (SNK) 5.29 206
59. Ridge Racer 2 (Namco) 2 0 30. Fighters History
60. Run and Gun (Konamv 14 7 Dynamite (Data East) 5.29 9

PLAY METER 15 FEBRUARY 1995

7... me Be lat

VAL

* of , *)
= a ws a é
4
Ve
| f
4's

re 6
1 to 2 player high-
performance, low-
cost hardware
system.

The first
polygon,
textured
mapped
fighting
game
available

The Game Creator

The system renders
an unparalleled look
of realism ina 360
degree world.

==
Bonnie Theard
Managing Editor

PLAY METER

ae? 5 Pe ee
AL . ee

UP FRONT

When convenience
becomes annoyance

veryone has had this experience: be-
coming frustrated because we crave
speaking to a human being instead ofa
machine. Such was the case when I
called a manufacturing company that
had moved to new headquarters. After
wading through the 35 options avail-
able via the answering system, I finally
heard: “If you haven't celebrated your
next birthday while waiting, and need
to speak with an operator, press O.”

At last, areal live person instead of
a recording.

I asked for the sales
representative I need-
ed to reach and the ex-
tension number for fu-
ture reference. The
reply: “That person is
the only one who can
give out the extension
number. She’s_ not
here right now. ['ll
connect you with her
voice mail.” More ma-
chinery, less humani-
ty. As Charlie Brown
would say—Aarrgghh!
In these tough eco-
nomic times, when
companies seek to
downsize and adopt
such measures’ as
“early retirement” packages to trim
the budget, an automated answering
system probably sounds like a good
idea. With technological advances, who
needs people when machines can ac-
complish the same tasks? A nightmare
come true: automation run amok.

The creators of automated answer-
ing systems may be unaware of the
problems created by a convenience
that has become an annoyance. The
money saved by not hiring a person to
answer the phone may be outdistanced
by income lost when potential cus-
tomers are turned off by the answering
system and hang up.

Yet technology marches on. There is
a new twist in automated answering
systems that further eliminates the
need for a human being to provide in-

formation over the phone lines. If you
do not know the extension of the per-
son you want to reach, you can punch
in the first three letters of the person's
last name and be connected to their
voice mail. And, if you don’t have the
spelling of the name handy, you can lis-
ten to a litany of names and extensions.
It seems that anything and everything
can be provided so you can do it your-
self.

What’s wrong with this picture? The
human equation is missing. There is no
substitute for the personal touch, that
all-important element vital to busi-
nesses, such as those in our industry,
which are built on service. Service is
what sets one operating company
apart from another.

Locations that see only the collector
taking coins from the machines could
feel as isolated as callers who en-
counter automated phone systems. We
are in a very personal business, with
generations of families carrying on the
coin-op tradition. Maintaining a friend-
ly relationship with locations is not
only good business today, it’s a require-
ment for staying in business tomorrow.

When the location is a game room or
fun center that you own or manage,
your customers deserve the best enter-
tainment experience, the tastiest food,
and the most cordial attendants you
can provide.

Industry conversations often focus
on products that are the backbone of
the business, while service is the cor-
nerstone. Continue to do your part in
setting high standards of service with-
in your organization.

On a segment of “Home Improve-
ment” TV’s Tim Allen and his sidekick
Richard Carne argued on the point of
who said it first, but the quote remains:
“There are two things every task has in
common: 1) It must be done, and 2) It
must be done right.”

As the new year unfolds and new
challenges present themselves, keep
service a priority and you will always
be doing it right. A

FEBRUARY 1995

If we pretend there’s nothing else going

If Ks all {0 () e a SY on around us, we’ll never get spooked.

The problem is, we just could get
blindsided. Jukebox manufacturers and

for allofus todo, 9 w=

Blindsided by advancing technology ...

and the outsiders that would almost
certainly bring it to our locations. So,
starting about 10 years ago, we invested
heavily in researching music reproduction
technology ... where it’s going, what we can
do now, and what we have to do to be
prepared for the future. It turned out to be one
of the wisest investments we’ve ever made.

ii” Sees
ac | We’re not only aware of advancing tech-

r
nology, we’re part of it.

And we engineered a sound reproduction
system — our 100 CD HyperBeam™ laser
disc system — to both enhance operator’s
income today and, very critically, be
adaptable to likely changes in technology
forthcoming.

This isn’t just so much “‘sales talk.” Ask
for a copy of our new booklet for the full
story.

It’s called, “Technology that works. And
keeps on working.” It’ll tell you in simple
down-to-earth terms what digital technology
likely means to jukebox operators. It'll
explain how the NSM HyperBeam-system
jukebox you buy today can serve you well
— uniquely well — for many years to
come. And it’ll tell you why, if we’re
prepared, there’s not only nothing to fear
from technology advances,
there’s

... More than ever
to look forward to.

(NSM

NSM-America

1158 Tower Lane

Bensenville, IL 60106

Phone: (708) 860-5100 FAX: 5144

Despite a constitution-
al challenge to a referen-
dum authorizing lottery
and video gaming, the
New Mexico legislature
began holding hearings
on the issue last month.

“Regardless of how the
Supreme Court rules it
appears the legislature is
looking at going forward
with some form of video
gaming,” said Ken Ander-
son, secretary of the
state’s Vending Amuse-
ment and Music Opera-
tors Association.

Voters in the state ap-
proved a constitutional
amendment in November
that provides for a state-
run lottery, as well as
video games of chance.

In early January, the
legislature heard from
out-of-state experts, as
well as representatives of
the coin-op industry in
New Mexico.

Anderson explained
that the legislature has
always had the power to
authorize gaming. “The
legislature could have
written the enabling leg-
islation whenever they
wanted,” he said. “But
they wanted a reading
from the public.”

However, a coalition of
opponents has chal-
lenged the decision, ar-
guing that they should
have been able to vote on
each issue separately.

But judicial precedent
in the state has previous-
ly allowed items in a con-
stitutional amendment to
be linked if they are ger-
mane, Anderson said.
“Our contention is they
both come under the um-
brella of gaming.”

A ruling was expected
before the end of January.

PLAY METER

mR @’ "4 j

COIN-OP NEWS

New Mexico grapples with gaming Issue

ea Lenn
dite “9 a | oor i

New Mexico is reportedly taking the first steps toward establishing a video gaming program
similar to the one in South Dakota, which has brought extra revenue to restaurant and tavern
locations such as this one in Sioux Falls. .

As worded, the consti-
tutional amendment
would become law in
June, 90 days after the
end of the legislative ses-
sion. That gives the legis-
lature sufficient time to
pass enabling legislation
that included rules and
regulations.

“If it becomes constitu-
tional law, that means the
legislature must do
something” to facilitate
gaming, Anderson said.

State officials have ap-
parently given no indica-
tion on how video gaming
would be structured,
whether it would be pri-
vately or publicly run,
which establishments
would be eligible for ma-
chines, or how many they
would be able to operate.

Supporters of the ref-
erendum, which received
56 percent of the vote, in-
cluded the state’s race
tracks, fraternal orders,

and the liquor industry.

“We in the vending in-
dustry have a working re-
lationship with all these
retail industries,” Ander-
son noted. “We have the
routes. We have the infra-
structure. We feel the
vendors will get it.” -

Another issue at stake
is whether lottery and
video gaming will be reg-
ulated by the same or
separate commissions.

“We don’t advocate it
be run by the same com-
mission,” Anderson said,
pointing to the fact that
South Dakota has one
commission and yet a
vast majority of the rev-
enue comes from video
lottery there. “Govern-
ment has a tendency of
letting one program pay
for another.”

One suggestion that
could be palatable to op-
erators is one overall
commission, that operat-

ed separate subcommis-
sions for each form of
gaming, including Indian
gaming and the race
tracks.

“They do have impact
on one another in terms of
discretionary dollars,”
Anderson argued. “That
way one industry does not.
cannibalize the other.”

But whatever the final
outcome, Anderson con-
cluded, operators have to
continually keep in mind
their duty to provide en-
tertainment to the public
or face the dismal fate of
race tracks across the
country.

“You can't make peo-
ple relate to something
that they don’t relate to,”
he said. “Look at Vegas.
They are remembering
that they are in the enter-
tainment business. We in
the coin-op business
need to remember the
same thing.”

FEBRUARY 1995

TNHIE COMPLETE SYSTEM

‘. FROM THE ORI GINA TOR 6) 2 ELE C TRONI C aes: ?

LEAGUES AND fOURNAMEN iD

“Arachnid created the first es dart (=¥-To [BT =) format in 1977 ar

First coin- OP. manufacturer to use modem based data transfer

‘, Aiutometic celéulailon, for NDA "S. P. R. E." ine points ele round -
4 6 state annual fegional_tournament circuit blanketing the US “
$200, 000 BullShooter world championship tournament tour

$90, 000 ten event Bullshooter Finals i ’ ! 7

PROMOTIONS ANG SUPP vii

Seven trained league specialists available to operators for eee || +=
Software setup, league management, promotion and, ;
- tournament operation’ — , ;

ed — , oe

: ae Gun Challenge promotion that sapien praises | ee
. the local level in each and every location advancing :
to a $15,000 final Pets / / a

"i 7 7 7

Butishooter Magazine , , , ;

= ~ , ~ , 7

Software bulletin board and Tech Tips Newsletter|
PRUBUGE ANE TECHNOLOGY 5 ‘ / -, ; / 2 oe

The leader i in Modem- based communications between office ;
~ computers-and route equipment 3 See bye

Operator selectable features without flipping switches :

- Single/double bullseye - Automatic player change ~— ee

oe Oo) [atom ol=) mela -1o || Mem [-t-y-10 Mol- lame (-1(-Leq (e)] ameabo le) ol-]me~) o)(e(-arel-latal-r-(0 a™ZZZZ
'. = Dart, hattrick, a win, bust and: coin-up sound CY-) (-Yo4 i (e) | a

AMOR |
“MOST PLAYED DART GAME" :

a 6421 Material Ave. |

GALAKY 199381994 sentra
; | ~~: oe test Sts SS > 1-800-435-8319

COIN-OP NEWS

PBS documentary
looks at violence
in the media

“Getting a gun is as
easy as getting a loaf of
bread.”

This chilling statement
from a young woman con-
victed of murder was
among a series of revela-
tions during a two-part,
four-hour Public Broad-
casting System special
program that aired in ear-
ly January.

Award-winning TV
journalist Bill Moyers set
out to find solutions to
“What We Can Do About
Violence’ by traveling
around the country look-
ing at successful violence
prevention programs, as
well as focusing on the ju-
venile justice system, gun
control, domestic terror,
and yes, the media (TV,
movies, and video games).

James Q. Wilson, pro-
fessor of Public Policy at
the University of Califor-
nia at Los Angeles and au-
thor of “Thinking About
Crime’ called juvenile jus-
tice “the dark unexplored
land of criminology.” He
said the profile of the
high-rate offender is the
same whether measured
in Stockholm, Sweden;
London, England; or Or-
ange County, Calif.

Mostly male, they rep-
resent only five to six per-
cent of boys in any given
country but are involved
in a staggering number of
crimes.

Judge Joseph Farina of
Florida’s Dade County
Criminal Court had this to
say: “Statistically, younger
people are committing
more of the violent crimes
in society. We've got to do
something about it. Peo-
ple are frustrated and an-

Many offenders come
from dysfunctional fami-

PLAY METER

lies and poor neighbor-
hoods, and have little or
no parental guidance.
What are the influences in
their lives? The love and
kindredship of street
gangs in more instances
than our society would
like to admit, according to
the program.

Where does the media
fit into the picture? Moy-
ers observed, “While chil-
dren learn about violence
in their real life families
and on real life streets,
they also grow up today
surrounded by ghastly,
simulated reality—
streams of mass-produced
images that pour into
their social environment
and their inner lives, all
for profit.

“Those violent movies
and gangster rappers glo-
rifying violence, TV crime
shows and local news
shows replaying every
ghoulish promo over and
over, and the brutal video
games, are all responding
to the bottom line.”

Moyers asked, “What
happens to our children
when the marketplace is
their most powerful men-
tor, the arbiter of their val-
ues, teaching them this
one lesson: if you want
juice, power, money, rat-
ings, respect...use vio-
lence? Because in the me-
dia sweeps and on the
streets, violence sells.”

Family psychologist
David Walsh commented,
“Every single one of us has
a persuasive guest in our
families, and oftentimes
we don’t even realize what
it is communicating and
selling to our kids.

“The average child in
the U.S., ifhe or she
watches the average
amount of TV, will witness

ee
Zz» .

200,000 acts of violence by
the time he is 18 years old.
That screen becomes a
window through which
they learn about the
world, pick up values, and
learn how to handle differ-
ent situations.”

Walsh put his finger on
the attraction of violence:
“It grabs our attention be-
cause we have an emo-
tional response to it.”

Smiles sometimes ac-
company the violence por-
trayed in the media, he
said. “The message com-_
ing across is that this is fun
and enjoyable. We never
see the suffering that fol- |
lows those kinds of experi-
ences.

“On an intellectual lev-
el kids may be able to say
yes, that’s fake, it’s not
real. But we are constantly
incorporating images that
make connections that
aren't on an intellectual
and cognitive level, but on
an’ emotional level.”

The telecast showed
scenes from the Mortal
Kombat video and promos
for the game’s home re-
lease, the popular “Mighty
Morphin Power Rangers”
TV program, “slasher”
movies, and a number of
action-adventure-thriller
films that depict an abun-

dance of graphic violence. .

In one scene from “The
Simpsons” TV show, Bart
Simpson tells his sister
Lisa, “If you don’t watch
any violence you won't get
desensitized to it.”

Walsh added that he
believes most parents are
motivated by the question,
“What's good for our

kids?” but all too often
“the motivating question
in the larger, anonymous
society is ‘Will it make
money?’ We're sacrificing
our children at the altar of
financial profit.”

“There is nothing
wrong with making mon-
ey, explained Walsh. “But
we have to balance our de-
sire to make profits with a
sense of responsibility to
our children.”

Moyers added, “A
movement is growing
around the issue of media
violence. Millions of peo-
ple are realizing that it’s
not just a matter of what
we re watching, but what
we re becoming.”

Wilson concluded: “In
the long run I think the
most troubling problem
this nation may face is not
crime and not drugs, or
certainly not them simply,
but the fact that we are in-
creasingly raising our
children in isolation from
human contact. We are
turning over to electronic
Gevices—TVs, VCRs, elec-
tronic games, and com-
puter games—the task of
occupying ourselves, and
particularly our children,
during all or most of their
free time.

“When we isolate our-
selves we are reducing the
chances that we will learn
what it means to be fully
human. This change, if it
occurs, will occur so slow-
ly that we will not notice it.
But at some time we will
look back and say to our-
selves, ‘What did we do
wrong?’”

FEBRUARY 1995

-
‘ 5 Y
ee
cyte > -
-0
» he ey ae oe
Seek, =

COIN-OP NEWS

Former gaming executive pleads guilty to felony

Former Bally Gaming:
International president
Alan Maiss has pleaded
guilty to two felony
counts as aresult of an
investigation into a
Louisiana video poker
distributor, according to
federal authorities.

Maiss reportedly
pleaded guilty to prior
knowledge that one of the
founders of Worldwide
Gaming, Christopher
Tanfield, did not hold a
state license. Worldwide
was Bally’s exclusive dis-
tributor of video poker
games in Louisiana.

The two counts of mis-
prision of a felony could
result in amaximum of
six. years in jail and/or
fines of $500,000, said Ed-
die Jordan, U.S. attorney
for the eastern district of
Louisiana.

Jordan said Maiss ad-
mitted dealing with Tan-
field even after learning
that he had no license.
Tanfield was indicted
along with 16 others last
year on racketeering
charges in connection
with Worldwide’s activi-
ties.

Federal authorities al-
lege that Tanfield was an
organized crime associ-
ate, who facilitated crimi-
nal control of Worldwide,
its subsidiary Louisiana
Route Operators, and
several other video poker
companies.

Maiss is cooperating
with the federal investi-
gation, Jordan said. He
reportedly told federal
prosecutors that he did
not report Tanfield be-
cause he was hoping to
recoup Bally’s investment
in the failing Worldwide
company.

The former Bally presi-

PLAY METER

dent is expected to testify
in the trial scheduled for
May 1.

Federal authorities
have said Bally Gaming,
which financed World-
wide, was a victim in the
case. Bally reportedly lost
$15 million as a result of
Worldwide’s collapse.

Maiss was terminated
by Bally in April 1993, a
month before the initial
indictments in the World-
wide case were handed
down.

“The company was a
victim of massive fraud
and we are cooperating
fully,” said Bally Gaming
general counsel! Lou Ta-

vano, who noted that
company employees will
also be testifying for the
prosecution. “We sympa-
thize with Mr. Maiss’ po-
sition, but it really has no
effect on us.”

Profits from World-
wide were allegedly di-
verted to organized
crime families in the New
Orleans and New York
areas, according to the
investigation conducted
by the FBI and the
Louisiana State Police.

Tanfield’s partner
Steven Bolson, who was a
co-founder of Worldwide,
has pleaded guilty to one
count of conducting an il-

Alan Maiss

legal gambling business
and four counts of wire
fraud against Bally.

Namco takes Tekken on tour

In Atlanta, Sean Thomas (r) was the first place
winner in the Tekken tournament.

Namco recently hosted
sneak preview parties
and tournaments in the
United States and Cana-
da to introduce its new
futuristic fighting-
themed video, Tekken.

Sales and marketing
representatives traveled
to 12 cities in three days to
assist in the promotion
and explain the finer
points of the game, which
features 3-D textured
polygons with Gourand

shading for added realism.

The game's debut was
promoted prior to each
tournament. Once it was
on location, experienced
players were quickly at
the controls, warming up
for the competition.

All contestants re-
ceived Tekken posters
and T-shirts. First through
fourth place winners col-
lected prizes that ranged
from Sony Discman CD |
units to Electronic Gam-

In Philadelphia, top honors went to Dave Bar-
nett (r) for his Tekken skills.

ing Monthly magazine
subscriptions to game
room tokens and
coupons.

Tekken tournament
packages can be obtained
from Namco distributors
or sales representatives.
Contact the sales office at
(708) 238-2248 for more
details. Tekken posters
are $2.50 each, while they
last.

FEBRUARY 1995

Ae oe) ol ee ie SPU i ee
1} -
WY UIP UN Dp pee ee

eee ee ee
ae io

ee mm

met
= sha ea reir.

“were

ERENT en Fum tie Aah?

Ly Wer Bee ce arene
a 6 RES RAN RS "
. + ONL ees

et i
Siheneae ARS GYR abe es wy

Ao E> an
p Rayeree eelnnrerny

i
4;

te ie, ?
ee Feared mw aden
one: IS Bs atgaes % "YY
aS ler ee Vanes

se ee ek Pe ey

eee a

= a

>.
owner
eee

Senate
ZUNE SB

a
si 4
e it

?
.
,

Peon"

z <—-
ena apt Bete: eet I ee
2k re ES

’

“ue

Inc. / KIDDIE’S

& oe pasate ir
: ; : ses ete tine i
Be > peeeeEHE HEU |

Nyaa ste <~

\
.

in the USA

‘ : %.

Wii Tel)

"Co a
®

Iv red)
07
ez
O
&

O
Of

COIN-OP NEWS

Jukebox license fees
rise slightly in ‘95

On Jan. 9 the Jukebox
License Office an-
nounced the jukebox li-
cense fees for 1995. Ad-
justed based on the
consumer price index,
the new rates are 2.61
percent higher than in
1994.

Fees are: first jukebox,
$294; two through 10; $55
(each); 11 and above
(each) $47.

The JLO, which admin-

isters the Jukebox Li-
cense Agreement, will
soon mail the revised
rate schedule to all juke-
box operators who ob-
tained agreements dur-
ing 1994.

For further informa-
tion, or jukebox license
materials, contact the
JLO at 1740 Broadway,
2nd floor, New York, NY
10019-4315; (900) 955-
JUKE or (212) 581-0190,

Economical 64-bit
games closer to home

Howard Lincoln, Nintendo of
America president, looks to
the next wave of video
game entertainment.

Nintendo's Ultra 64
home video game ma-
‘chine is closer to becom-
ing a reality. The compa-
ny has formed an
exclusive agreement with
MultiGen Inc. of San Jose,
Calif., under which Multi-
Gen will provide 3-D de-
velopment tools for the:
64-bit unit.

The new game ma-
chine is being developed
jointly with Silicon
Graphics Inc. and should
be introduced in North
America and Japan in the
fall of 1995 at a suggested
retail price of under $250.

According to Dennis

PLAY METER

Yeo, president and CEO
of MultiGen, “This al-
liance with Nintendo rep-
resents a huge leap in ex-
panding the reach of
high-end technology that
was available only toa
limited number of gov-
ernment and corporate
users just a few years ago.
“The combination of
MultiGen’s tools and the

power of the 64-bit system >

will be stunning. Using
our 3-D technology, Nin-
tendo Ultra 64 game de-

' velopers can deliver to

the family room all the
excitement and creativity
previously available only
in cutting-edge virtual re-
ality exhibits.”

Earlier, Nintendo
formed an alliance with
Alias Research Inc. of
Toronto, Canada, to begin
developing customized
graphics software tools
for the 64-bit system.

Nintendo of America
president Howard Lin-
coln explained, “Game
developers for Nintendo
Ultra 64 will be able to use
MultiGen’s advanced 3-D
technology, along with
the development tools
provided by Alias, to
bring to life the next wave
of video game entertain-
ment.”

Smoyers and Nicholas
form TryMagic

Howard Smoyer and
Tom Nicholas announce
the formation of a part-
nership and the opening
of anew company, Try-
Magic, that will focus on
designing new products
for manufacturers.

Smoyer and Nicholas
are well known in the in-
dustry from their years at
Merit Industries and
more recently at New Im-
age Technologies.

Nicholas is the found-
ing engineer behind
touch screen applications
on countertop games. His
philosophy is to utilize
the latest technology to
make a better product.

TryMagic will pursue
several markets in which
Smoyer and Nicholas are
experienced. The two fa-
vor bar sports games and
videos and redemption
games. Countertops are a

particular area of interest,
because as Smoyer says,
“they are such a good val-
ue to the operator.”

“There are many prod-
ucts that need a new level
of excitement,” he ob-
served. “We plan to fill
that need.”

TryMagic is the real-
ization of a lifetime
dream for both Smoyer
and Nicholas. “We've al-
ways aspired to have our
own company,” remarked
Smoyer, “And we're glad
to have the opportunity to
do just that. The drawing
board is full of concepts
and we are working dili-
gently on the first ofa
long line of products.”

TryMagic is located at
9968 Oak Shore Drive,
Lakeville, MN 55044. The
phone number is (612)
435-7790; the FAX number
is (612) 435-3137.

Media ready

Officers and government relations committee chairmen of
AMOA recently participated in two days of media training at the
Burson-Marsteller firm in New York City. The purpose: to pre-
pare them to handle TV, radio, and newspaper interviews and
press conferences. Seated, (I-r): Gail Quattlebaum of Burson-
Marsteller, Gene Winstead and Tami Norberg-Paulsen of AMOA.
Standing, (I-r): Frank Seninsky and Jerry Derrick of AMOA, re-
porter Jeff Bloch, Don Hesch and Randy Chilton of AMOA.

FEBRUARY 1995

The one with the water — the uneven slate — is just the

th e \ } all Ee way we receive some of them from our suppliers. And
y pool table manufacturers.

pool table «“"

2 Actually, they’re both ours. But only one has
1C out been through our flattening process.
would be considered “ready to install” by most all other
Yes, it’s Italian slate ... the best money can buy. And just

because it may not meet our flatness standards doesn’t
] { mean the supplier hasn't done their job. Our standards are
4 a e, demanding. Exceptionally demanding. And we know it.

But players will detect the difference.

A less-than-flat slate may not be noticeable to the eye.
Maybe not even that easy to detect test-rolling a few balls:
during set up. But players can tell.
Especially the more accomplished
players, the people that account for
the majority of what operators find
in their cashboxes.

That’s the reason we won’t install a slate
unless it’s within 10/1000ths of an inch flat
across the entire playing surface.

And we subject all of our slate to a 3-step process. to
assure just that:

* Inspection, separation & flatness check. Those that pass
are cured and ready to install. Those that don’t are racked
for curing.

- After curing, those that didn’t pass are
checked for flatness again.

- If they still don’t pass, they’re rotary-ground
to our 10/1000ths specification. |

~ Over half of the slates we receive require some grinding.

We'd love to save ourselves all the grief and money the
slate flattening process costs us.

But we won't. Nor will we cut corners on any of the
literally dozens of other quality features unique to our pool
tables. “Valley Built” means something because of those
differences and you'll never see
that meaning change. \
Guaranteed.

Look a little closer and we bet :
youll pick a Valley table next time.

Pick a Valley table.
And you've picked out the right slate.

— eo OE Poarmniiccmnd Tes Panella

333 Morton Street ¢ P.O. Box 656 ¢ Bay City, MI 48707
Phone: (517) 892-4536 Toll Free: 1-800-248-2837

COIN-OP NEWS

Alpha-Omega goes silver!

Celebrants include, (I-r): Joe Camarota Sr, Charlotte and Joe

Camarota, Sondi and Steve Epstein of The Broadway Arcade,
Bob Boals of Betson, and Bob Geshine.

y
e .

Cutting the 25th anniversary cake, (I-r): Joe and Charlotte Ca-
marota, Frank Seninsky, and Karen Nagel.

ae
ay ex ne “3 a
» oF

Alpha-Omega Amuse-
ments of Edison, N.J., re-
cently celebrated 25
years in the coin machine
business. Officers Frank
Seninsky and Joe Ca-
marota marked the occa-
sion with a “little” party
at one of its outstanding
accounts, Sports ‘N’
Games in East Hanover,
N.J. Hundreds of well-
wishers showed up.

The fledgling days of
what was to become Al-
pha-Omega gave new
meaning to the term
“humble beginnings.” Try
a $25 used pinball game
Seninsky placed in one
college location. Then
imagine all the work that
was involved in building
from that point to the po-
sition the company now
occupies in the industry.

Alpha-Omega is not
only a leading game dis-
tributor, but also assists

PLAY METER

in game design; conducts
promotions and tourna-
ments; and offers con-

sulting, management ser-

vices, and redemption
center set-up for family
fun centers.

Seninsky has the high-
profile spot in the compa-
ny due to his years as a
contributing writer for
Play Meter and other in-
dustry trade press.

In addition, he has la-
bored tirelessly on behalf
of AMOA, serving on the
board of directors, the
standardization commit-
tee, and the government
relations committee.
Seninsky is a sought-after
seminar speaker, partic-
ularly on the topics of re-
demption and family en-
tertainment centers.

Congratulations
Frank, Joe, Charlotte,
Karen, and the entire
Staff.

Treasure Chest approved by GLI

Gaming Laboratories
Inc. has approved the
Treasure Chest video pok-
er game from Drew's Dis-
tributing for the Minneso-
ta Indian gaming market.

Hardware, software,
and the random number
generator have all been
tested and approved by
the lab. The machine fea-
tures three games: Jacks
or Better, Jokers Wild,
and Deuces Wild.

Game features include
a 19” monitor, hopper or
printer payout, an inter-
nal bill acceptor with
locking removable maga-

zine that takes from $1-
$100, and a progressive
jackpot.

EMT adopts warranty policy

EMT America, the
North American distribu-
tor of EMT Kiddie Rides,
has announced a new
warranty policy on its
ride products. The policy
became effective at the
beginning of the year.

The new policy will ex-

tend a warranty of 24

months from the ship date
of its product on the motor,
transmission (gear box),
and electronic module.
According to Alicia
Sadoff, sales manager, the
new warranties will be a
big plus. “EMT has always

designed its rides keeping
the ideas of excitement, .
safety, and durability in
mind,” she said.

“The interactive nature
of our rides is unique and
EMT kiddie rides were
the first rides to be tested
and approved by ETL,”
she added. “With imple-
mentation of a two-year
warranty, EMT is once
again at the forefront of
the market.”

For more information
on the extended warran-
ty, contact Sadoff at (708)
860-5100.

In other news

e The International
Family Entertainment
Center Association (IFE-
CA) has unveiled anew
store front on the infor-
mation superhighway
which can be reached via
the Internet.

IFECA headquarters
can now be reached on e-
mail at IFECA@aol.com.
Members are already us-
ing this service for day-
to-day communications
with the IFECA office.
Other plans include fo-
rums, educational semi-
nars, and informal chat
sessions.

¢ Children who play in-
doors at Explorations
sustain very high heart
rates, according to re-
search by Dr. Michael
Whitehurst of Florida At-
lantic University.

Whitehurst’s research
reportedly represents
the first attempt to study
whether Explorations, a
nationwide children’s fit-
ness and entertainment
center franchise, pro-
vides an alternative form
of exercise.

e Veryfine Products
Inc. has become a spon-
sor of the A+ America
technology for schools
program, which aims to
provide classrooms with
the latest teaching and
learning tools.

Through a partnership
between educators and
businesses, UPCs, proofs-
of-purchase, and special
product certifications are
redeemed for technologi-
cal equipment that
schools can use as educa-
tional tools. A

FEBRUARY 1995

WITHOUT
OUR OPERATORS,

THE PICTURE
IS INCOMPLETE.

NU i ae
1\* ae . :

4
i

:
~ i ea = Es Ee
al a - \t

The honor of your presence is requested
at an exclusive premiere of the latest Williams Bally/Midway works of art.

Contact your distributor for details. Tickets are required for entry.

>,
“

ACME Unveiling
March 22,1995
Reno, Nevada

It Pays To Own A Masterpiece.

Hilkams@ (silly MIDWAY.

Williams Electronics Games, Inc. Midway Manufacturing Company
A subsidiary of
Um=

Industries Inc. ?

The monetary crisis
which rocked the Mexican
economy as the new year
came and went has
prompted gloomy predic-
tions from coin-op indus-
try representatives both in
and outside the country.

“We foresee very diffi-
cult times,” said Jacob
Shemaria, president of
the Guadalajara-based
distributor Mexel.
“Equipment now costs
more and the people
have no money because
businesses were not do-
ing well already. I don’t
think we're going to meet
our projections.”

During the last days of
1994 and into 1995 the
peso fell approximately
35 percent in relation to
the U.S. dollar. That rela-
tionship forms the basis
of currency value in Mex-
ICO.

Analysts said the
plunge was prompted by
rising U.S. interest rates,
a growing trade deficit,
and political turmoil. A
recovery plan proposed
by newly-installed Mexi-
can president Ernesto
Zedillo to utilize foreign
loans, tighten monetary
policy, and institute wage
and price controls was

INTERNATIONAL SCENE

Crisis brings gloomy new year in Mexico

f
\\\

\\\

LTT

met with skepticism.
“After we heard the
president, we came back
and said let’s plan for the
worst; the government
doesn’t have a plan,” said
Shemaria. “I think it’s go-
ing to get better (slowly).
But it’s better for us to ©
think pessimistically.”
Wall Street insiders
seemed to agree. “It is far
from clear to us to begin
with, that the Bank of
Mexico will be able to de-
liver the promised credit
restraint...few devaluat-
ing nations ever outrun

inflation to the rainbow’s |

pot of gold,” the Wall

Street Journal opined.
Prices have already

been on the rise, accord-

EL BANCO

588060 0°

oor ~ Se OO HL aM 1
ing to Shemaria, and the
falling value of the peso
erodes buying power,
thus foiling further at-
tempts to stabilize rev-
enue through raising the

_ price per play.

In addition to rising
costs, Shemaria said the
credit crunch produces a
double-edged sword that
makes it even more diffi-
cult to rejuvenate busi-
ness investment.

“What you're obviously
going to have is a lot of
flight capital leaving the
country like you've had
before,” explained John
Gatens, president of San
Antonio-based Southgate
Amusement and Vending
which does a significant

amount of business in
Mexico.

“It’s a very uncertain
situation,” Gatens added.
“Not a lot of equipment is
going to be sold in the
Mexican market in the
short run. I had a $300,000
order and the gentleman
had already sent a
$100,000 down payment. I
don't think I’m going to
get the other $200,000.”

The blow comes at a
time when investors both
at home and abroad were
beginning to rebuild con-
fidence in the Mexican
market.

“Mexico is not as stable
as most people think,”
Gatens said. “I don’t
think it’s temporary. It
looks like a long-term
crisis.”

While billions of dol-
lars in loans and aid from
sources like the United
States and the Interna-
tional Monetary Fund are
expected, Shemaria said
from his perspective af-
fordable credit will have
to come quickly in order
to keep business from to-
taling drying up.

“I think the key to re-
covering is to find a good
way of financing,” he said.

Polish trade show set for spring

The ABP/Affiliated
Group will host the fifth
annual Polish exhibition
showcasing amusement
machines, music and
games, restaurant equip-
ment, outdoor amuse-
ments, family entertain-
ment centers, and casino
equipment on April 27-29.

The show will be held
at the Katowice Interna-
tional Fair Grounds in Ka-

PLAY METER

towice, Poland.

Since gaining indepen-
dence, over two million
privately owned business-
es have been created in
Poland. Of those, there
are more than 3,000 mem-
bers of the amusement in-
dustry, one that did not
exist prior to 1989.

Poland has the second
largest amusement park in
eastern Europe, and sever-

al more are in the planning
stages or already under
construction.

However, there is
hardly a vending machine
to be found in the coun-
try’s 12,000-plus factories.
Why? Simple enough: ~
Poland has not had coins
until now. At the begin-
ning of this year the coun-
try issued coins, ensuring
explosive growth in the

coin-op industry there.

Each of the previous
Polish shows has sold out,
drawing in excess of 5,000
visitors hoping to forge
stronger business part-
nerships.

For more information,
contact George Herman,
4774 Park Granada, Sec-
ond Unit, Calabasas, CA
91320; (818) 222-6161; FAX
(818) 222-6165.

FEBRUARY 1995

e “PLAY TILL YOU WIN” ¢e Tamper Resistant / Coat

e Voice motion sound system hanger proof

e Joystick control e Microprocessor gameboard

¢ Double coin mechanism with ¢ Square steel frame tubing
locking cash box e Photo eye prize counter

e Push button control ¢ 220 VAC Transformer

= CANDY CRANE
y f | |i ¢ 24” wide ° 34” wide ¢ 47'/," wide
y \e ° 24” deep ° 24” deep © 24'/” deep
ce ae ¢ 66” high ¢ 66” high ° 69%," high
at
CANDY CRANE
~ ¢ 225 Ibs. ¢ 325 Ibs. ¢ 466 Ibs.
PROUDLY. © Ss “Ss i i fi ei ‘aero
MADE IN 9) og em i
THE U.S/Av her
FOR MORE INFORMATION . | bg
CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED 7 ¥
DISTRIBUTOR OR FOR

REFERRAL CONTACT US.

INDUSTRIES CORP, MFG.

1626 Delaware Ave.

Des Moines, lowa 50317 U.S.A.
(515) 265-9900 1-800-553-2442
FAX (515) 265-3148

INTERNATIONAL SCENE

Proposed tax hits

U.K. operators hard

The U.K. is reeling from a proposed tax increase on AWP ma-
chines, such as these from Project Coin, as well as a possible
new tax on video games.

A proposed 20 percent
increase in duties on
gaming machines, as well
as anew tax on coin
amusement machines
that do not pay out in
prizes or money, has op-
erators in the U.K. run-
ning for cover, Coin Slot
International reported.

Chancellor of the Ex-
chequor Kenneth Clarke
announced the increases
as part of the proposed
fall budget. They would
increase the the annual
duty on small stakes
amusement with prize
machines (AWPs) from
450 pounds (approxi-
mately $675) to 535
pounds ($800). On high
stakes jackpot machines
the duty would increase
from 1,150 pounds ($1,725)
annually to 1,375 pounds
($2,065).

In addition, an annual
fee of 250 pounds ($375)
would be imposed on
non-gaming machines.
Excluded from the new
tax proposal are vending
machines, pool tables,
jukeboxes, kiddie rides,
and soccer tables. Fur-
thermore, video games

PLAY METER

that allow multiple play-
ers would be taxed for
each additional player.
Thus, a four-player game
could be taxed 1,000
pounds ($1,500) each

- year,

If implemented, indus-
try experts say, approxi-
mately 12,000 jobs could
be lost and thousands of
machines would disap-
pear.

The proposed tax
would not go into effect
until this November, and
members of the U.K. coin-
op industry are attempt-
ing to mount a letter writ-
ing campaign to turn the
tide. The British trade or-
ganization BACTA, with
1,200 members, is expect-
ed to weigh in heavily on
the issue.

“We therefore have
plenty of time to win our
argument at both the po-
litical and administrative
level,” BACTA president
Roger Withers told Coin
Slot. “I am confident that
common sense will pre-
vail and that our mem-
bers will get relief from
the current proposed lev-
els of taxation.”

Two trade exhibitions to
be held with Gulf show

Organizers of the Gulf
Leisure Parks & Fun Cen-
tre Show have an-
nounced that two com-
plementary trade
exhibitions will be held
concurrently on March 6-
9 in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates.

The Dubai-based orga-
nizers, International
Expo-Consult, will stage
the second Sportex, ex-
hibiting sports, fitness,
and leisure equipment,
and Gulf Stadia, a spe-
cialized event for those
involved in the design,
construction, and fur-
bishment of leisure facili-
ties.

This move will effec-
tively create the largest
presentation of products
and services for the

leisure industry in the
Middle East.

Organizers said the
prime factor for bringing
these events together
was the similarity of the
target visitor, most of
whom have commercial
interests in each of the
three areas. |

Patronage for the
shows has been granted
by Sheik Mana Bin Khali-
fa, and they are support-
ed by anumber of Gulf
trade organizations and
government depart-
ments.

For more information,
contact Trade Shows In-
ternational Ltd., First
Floor, 13 Sansome Place, |
Worcester WR1 1UA, Eng-
land; +44 (0)1905 61 32 56;
FAX +44 (0)1905 72 47 68.

Project Coin launches
international subsidiary

Project Coin, an inde-
pendent gaming machine
manufacturer in the U.K.,
has launched a wholly
owned subsidiary under
the name Project Interna-
tional.

The dedicated compa-
ny has been established
to develop Project's ex-
panding program of in-
ternational business in-
terests in a structured
manner while protecting
its share of the U.K.
market.

“1994 has seen Project
grow its share of the do-
mestic market at the
same time as enjoying
substantial success in the
international arena,” ex-
plained sales and mar-
keting director Paul Ter-
roni. “With significant
numbers of product sited
and operating profitably

in areas including Scan-
dinavia, the Czech Re-
public, Greece, Hungary,
the Netherlands, and
North America, it was the
decision of the board of
directors to drive the ex-
pansion forward through
anew company.

“The formation of Pro-
ject International means
that the Project group of
companies will continue
to address the needs of
the U.K. industry in a vig-
orous and imaginative
manner at the same time
as meeting international
demands for product tai-
lor-made to specific cul-
tural and legislative re-
quirements.”

Project International
was formally announced
to the worldwide amuse-
ment industry at the ATEI
show last month.

FEBRUARY 1995

¢ KINI ¢ MILKCAP

e CAP « KINI e

¢ KINI ¢ MILKCAP

e®

——a
oe

pore
- <a
pp,

Innovators in Redemption !

Pin “

a ae te ee Se ee ee ee ee oe ee ee Oe ee ee Se

co ae

Pogger™ is brought to you by Lazer-Tron, the same &3) 4A player game

people who brought you such hits as: Ribbit Racin,”
Spin-To-Win,” Aftershock,” Pirates Gold,”
Flintstones; Super Bank-lt Il“ and others,
Experience the difference, buy the best.

Call Lazer—Tron today for the
distributor nearest you.

UL Listed

Patents and patents applied for

Pogger i is licensed from Wedges and Ledges

Pog is a registered TM of the World Pog Federation
© 1994 Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc.

& Fully metered

From LAZER-TRON

Fogger is a unique 4 player rotary
merchandiser that allows players to

O Play till you win option

O One Pog off, one Fog on

AVIA TL . el] VAATAAI=

= = ss = =
oN ae see Ae ——=—

GB atch The Craze!
=— “The Hottest New Game
and Collectable,In Years’

win Fogs,” milkcaps, slammers,
and kinis. Pogs are collectable
printed caps with which kids and
parents can also play a simple
highly entertaining game.

One Pogger unit in Southern
California earned over $22,000
its first 7 weeks on location!
Can you afford to be without
this hit merchandiser?

Pogger Features:

@ Size: 40"W x 40"D
X 3O"L : B50 Lbs.
Pogger merchandise
available from
Lazer-Tron

@ Great sounds and

@ 70g dispensed face lighting

side up

LAZER-TRONM

LIGHT YEARS AHEAD!

LAZER-TROM
4430 Willow Road
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: (510) 460-0873
Fax: (510) 460-0365

z= @ev. @ AL

INTERNATIONAL SCENE

Nintendo develops new
portable game system

Nintendo Co. Ltd., lo-
cated in Kyoto, has devel-
oped anew portable
game system, Virtual Boy,
that is scheduled to be
out in April in Japan,
Game Machine reported.

The game was devel-
oped through the applica-
tion of the Virtual Display
technology of U.S.-based
Reflection Technology Inc.
and was shown in January
at the Winter Consumer
Electronics Show in Las
Vegas.

Nintendo obtained an
exclusive license to the

technology, which utilizes
a light emitting diode
(LED) combined with a
mirror that converts red
rays into images against a
dark background. By
combining images in
each eye, the result is sol-
id 3-D images. The sys-
tem is portable and uses
neither a TV monitor nor
a liquid crystal display.
Three software titles in
cartridge form, Super
Space Pinball, Telero Box-
er, and Mario Brother VB
will be released along
with the game console.

Kieffer leaving Sega Europe

George Kieffer, deputy
chairman of Sega Amuse-
ments Europe and execu-
tive director of Sega Eu-
rope Group Ltd., will
leave the company to pur-
sue a private career in
the entertainment field,
Coin Slot International
reported.

Kieffer leaves following
the restructuring of the

coin-op divisions ofthe .
Europe division overseen
by new CEO Bob Deith,
director of the Sega sub-
sidiary Deith Leisure.

“When I joined Sega in
August 1991, Iset myself
certain targets,” Kieffer
told Coin Slot. “Having
achieved these, it seemed
an appropriate time to"
move on.”

Duel takes the gold in London

Acclaim announced
that Duel, a demonstra-
tion of the company’s pro-
prietary motion capture
technology, was recently
honored at the London Ef-
fects and Animation Fes-
tival (LEAF).

Duel won the gold
award in the category of
research. LEAF is Eu-
rope’s largest graphics
technology exposition.

Acclaim ’s motion cap-
ture technology has gar-
nered several other indus-
try awards, including a
specially created award at
Nicograph, Japan’s annu-

PLAY METER

al computer graphics and
interactive visualization
conference, and recogni-
tion from Siggraph’s Elec-
tronic Theatre.

In other Acclaim news,
the company has com-
pleted the acquisition of
Iguana Entertainment
Inc., a major interactive
entertainment software
developer.

With the closing of the
acquisition, Iguana be-
comes a wholly owned sub-
sidiary of Acclaim and will
continue to maintain of-
fices in Texas and the U.K.

Bass Leisure appoints Moir

Bass Leisure has an-
nounced the appoint-
ment of Neil Moir as
manager for new product
development. He took up
his appointment at the
beginning of this month.

Moir is based at the
company’s Offices at 3, the
Maltings, Wetmore Road,
Burton on Trent, Stafford-
shire, DE14 1SE. New

product development,
led by Moir and support-
ed by a dedicated team,
will bring added focus to
the company’s effort.
Moir has served as di-
rector of marketing for
Barcrest Limited, the
Bass Leisure gaming
manufacturing sub-

sidiary.

Best game performers
announced in Japan

Japan’s Game Machine
has released its list of the
best games in 1994 with
Sega's Puyo Puyo topping
the video category and
Namco’'s Ridge Racer
leading the pack of dedi-
cated videos.

Puyo Puyo is a Tetris-
like game in which play-
ers control a balloon-
shaped object witha
button and lever as it

Best Software

. Puyo Puyo (Compile/Sega)
. Super SFIl Turbo (Capcom)
. Virtua Fighter (Sega)
. Super Real Mahjong PIV
(Seta) |
. Shanghai (Sun)
. Raiden Il (Seibu)
. Tetris (Sega)
. Fatal Fury Special (SNK)
. Super Shanghai (Hot-
B/Taito)
10. Run & Gun (Konami)
11. Samurai Shodown (SNK)
12. Premier Soccer (Konami)
13. Fantastic Journey (Kona-
mi)
14. Columns (Sega)
15. Netto Gekito Quiz-to
* (Namco)
16. Super SFIl (Capcom)
17. Art of Fighting 2 (SNK)
18. Tant-R (Sega)
19. Mahjong Soo-Chi-Pie
(Jaleco)
20. Great Sluggers (Namco)
21. Super Sidekicks 2 (SNK)
22. DarkStalkers [Vampire]
(Capcom)
23. Quiz Crayon Shin-Chan
(Taito)

RWNN =

O OND UI

OMNDUBWN-=3A

travels down the monitor
screen.

Leading the list of pin-
balls was Lethal Weapon 3
by Data East Pinball, al-
though pin games are not
widely operated in Japan.

Each game's score was
calculated by totaling the
magazine's semi-monthly
ratings, which are based
on income.

Here are the full results:

24. Crazy Cross (Konami)
25. Shanghai Il (Sun)

Best Dedicated Video

. Ridge Racer (DX) (Namco)

. Virtua Fighter (DX) (Sega)

. Lethal Enforcers (Konami)

Out Runners (2P) (Sega)

. Daytona USA (DX) (Sega)

. Virtua Racing (2P) (Sega)

. Final Lap R(SD) (Namco)

. Air Combat (Namco)

. Cybersled (2P) (Namco)

10. Soreike Kokorogy 2 (Sega)

11. Alien 3—The Gun (Sega)

12. Jurassic Park (2P) (Sega)

13. Title Fight (2P) (Sega)

14. Speed King—King of Quiz
(Jaleco)

15. Speed Champion—king of

Quiz (Jaleco)

Best Pinball

1. Lethal Weapon 3 (Data
East)

2. Star Wars (Data East)

3. Jurassic Park (Data East)

4. Street Fighter Ii (Premier)

5. Tales from the Crypt (Data
East)

FEBRUARY 1995

ae
x Pe seernitt ,

yy YW

eth PE eg i

maitititey stysae eri. |
‘cs et s - -

—
4% as

+ ARLES ti
Bhs ;

xy a Fis)

i ll nae Sali ii fe 4 he a, spe
J

ag UR naa ay >, by

| lie seer
nN), i in i a shit? acy’ iGiu le D

aie n a om CNG

My = : = pie crepes

H.BETTHINDUSTRIES,INC. es ee

| A Division of H. Betti Industries, Inc. 303 Pauivebs Plank Road giohe NJ 07072-2307, H00-524.2343 - 201-438- ASU SFAX 201-438-4837,

GamesStar brings Stroll aboard

Michael Stroll

Mention the name
Michael Stroll and long-
time industry members
will harken back to the
days of early solid-state
pinball games, when
Stroll was at the helm of
Williams Electronics.

Now Stroll is poised on
the threshold of another
new undertaking, that of
leading the pinball and
redemption game design
and manufacturing house
GameStar.

The new company has
settled in Arlington
Heights, Ill., and is busy
producing games set to
debut next month at
ACME ‘95 in Reno, Nev.

As reported earlier in
Play Meter, GameStar’s
staff includes veterans
Rene Lopez as vice presi-
dent and Tim Jackson as
sales director. The design
team boasts other memo-
rable industry names,
such as Mark Richie,
Python Angelo, and Bill
Pfutzenreuter.

Warner named to IFECA boar

Gary Warner, vice
president of Coin Con-
cepts Inc., an East
Brunswick, N.J., company
that designs and manu-
factures redemption
games, has been appoint-
‘ed to the International
Family Entertainment
Center Association board
of directors.

In accepting the post,
Warner stated, “The asso-
ciation has already estab-
lished itself in a relatively
short time as being the in-
tra-industry information
source and contact facili-
tator for family entertain-
ment centers. This indus-
try is growing and Coin
Concepts plans on grow-
ing right along with it.”

IFECA president Joey
Herd commented, “Gary
is an energetic guy witha
‘lot of great ideas. We’re
very pleased to have him
on our team.”

Warner has been with
Coin Concepts for four

PLAY METER

Gary Warner

years. He recently served
as Chairman of the Silent
Auction committee for
Fun Expo ‘94, the IFECA’s
official trade show. The
auction netted $33,000 for
the association.

According to Warner,
most of the proceeds have
been earmarked to fund a
series of market research
studies on industry prac-
tices and trends.

WHO'S NEWS

Gail Rubin

ALG names Rubin

American Laser
Games, the Albuquerque,
N.M.-based manufactur-

er of full-motion, live-ac-
tion video games for the
coin machine industry
and entertainment soft-
ware for home CD-ROM
systems, has named Gail
Rubin its director of pub-
lic relations.

Rubin will handle news
media relations, corpo-
rate communications,
and community relations
for the company. She has
been working with ALG
for three years as a public
relations contractor.

Rubin’s background
includes five years asa
TV producer with C-
SPAN, as well as experi-
ence in broadcast promo-
tions in Washington, D.C.

Valley appoints Kristal

Pool table and elec-
tronic dart game maker
Valley Recreation Prod-
ucts of Bay City, Mich..,
has appointed Dave
Kristal as national pro-
motions manager.

Kristal has been the co-
ordinator of the compa-
ny’s Valley Gold tourna-
ment program and
served on the AMOA Na-
tional Dart Association
board of directors for
three years. He joined
Valley in 1987.

Said Doug Blair, vice
president of sales and
marketing, “Dave has

many strengths that have
contributed to Valley’s
success over the past sev-
en years, and his progress
in the company recog-
nizes this. But more than
that, it also demonstrates
that Valley will continue
to emphasize and commit
to promotions for both
pool tables and darts for
our distributor and oper-
ator base.”

Kristal will continue to
manage and develop Val-
ley’s leagues, tourna-
ments, and other promo-
tional activities.

Reber appointed new CEO

The board of directors
of the Michigan Distribu-
tors and Vendors Associ-
ation and the Michigan
Coin Machine Operators
Association announce the
appointment of Polly Re-
ber to the post of chief ex-
ecutive officer.

Reber replaces Can-
dace Super-Cummings, |

who recently moved from
Lansing, Mich., to Wash-
ington, D.C.

Reber will direct the
operations of the MDVA
and MCMOA, associa-
tions that represent the
business interests of
Michigan's coin machine
operators, distributors, .
wholesalers, and vendors.

FEBRUARY 1995

affordable

for the Bag@ecoua

Samurai Shodown IT has proven to be the
ahohutel-pamm@PORSE or number two earning video game in

virtual ly every location across the nation.

At an investment of S 5 Q Q * O Q or less
Samurai Shodown II is fetweetertieen cames costing

4to 40 times more!

Consider this, instead of investing $5,000.00 in that
new dedicated video game, invest the same amount of

dollars in 1 @ Sie hie pars meted alelele))\senl il liter-hactakKelc(-1-o

This WAaY you are certain to

So LCEMV Am cemmelercnemmeleices not only one.

Wouldn’t you rather have 10 great games
earning for you vs. only one?

It's your business... You do the math.

WROTE) oSNIK

SNK CORPORATION OF AMERICA
20603 EARL STREET

TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90503

TEL (310) 371-7100 FAX (310) 371-0969

WHO'S NEWS

Bally Gaming appointments

John Garner Michael Farnham

Stephen Sutherland

Bally Gaming of Las
Vegas, Nev., has an-
nounced appointments in
four executive positions.

John Garner, former
controller, takes on new
responsibilities as vice
president of finance.

Stephen Sutherland,
who has 15 years of man-
agement experience,
joins the company as vice
president of sales.

Michael Farnham, who
spent the last two years at
Bally Systems and has 19
years of administrative and
business management ex-
perience, accepts the reins
of director of sales.

Barton Jacka, former
director of government
affairs and gaming com-
pliance for the company,
becomes vice president of
government affairs.

VLT selects Burt

Video Lottery Tech-
nologies has named
Richard Burt to the post
of chairman. Burt is a for-
mer U.S. Ambassador to
Germany and former As-
sistant Secretary of State
in the Reagan adminis-
tration.

VLT is the Atlanta-
headquartered company
that numbers among its
subsidiaries Video Lot-
tery Consultants, Auto-
mated Wagering Interna-
tional, and United Tote.

J. Stephen Vander-
woude, president and
CEO of VLT said, “Ambas-

sador Burt's international
reputation and experi-
ence as a Strategist and
negotiator are directly
relevant to VLT’s domes-
tic and global prospects.
In selecting Burt, the
board has gained a chair-
man who is respected at
home and abroad.”

Burt noted that oppor-
tunities for lottery, gam-
ing, and tote systems con-
tinue to grow throughout
the world, particularly in
Canada, Europe, Asia,
South America, and the
United States.

Tunstall joins BWB

Don Tunstall, former
general manager at
Brady Distributing in Or-
lando, Fla., has joined the
British company BWB-
Newark as its U.S. sales
manager.

Tunstall is presently
establishing a distributor

network for the BWB line,
which includes anew
electromechanical game,
Sunset, featuring skill-
stop reels. Brady is one of
the first distributors to
carry BWB product.

Tunstall can be reached
at (407) 578-1238. A

VV VVVVVVUVVVYVVYVUYVYUYVYUYVYUYVYYYUYUYYYUYUYUYYYYYUYY

¥ STAR TRACK inc

148 ALLEN BLVD., FARMINGDALE, NY 11735
FOR A FREE CATALOG CALL 1-800-733-5013 &w

y Name Brand oe Prizes Lover 2000 TEMSY g

: (POGS & SLAMMERS ) (ELECTRONICS $1 to $20 )

¥ Looney Tune Clocks
¥ TV’s, Camera’s, Watches

vy POSS BSLAMMERS | Boards
¥ Starter Kits
¥ Street Fighter
¥ Lava Tubes

¥ Puzzles & Board Games
¥ Dolls, Blocks, Books
¥ Robots, Trucks, Vans

y (REDEMPTION SLUM TOYS | ( REDEMPTION SLUM TOYS »

Super Balls ¥ Whistles
Compass ¥ Die Cast Cars
Stickers ¥ Tattoo’s ¥ Pinballs

€<€€

¥ Stereo Radio, Alarm Clocks * Si) Oe
¥ Walkman Radios, Speakers | ‘ a
¥ Sport Clocks, Phones
¥ Binoculars, Flashlights

GENERAL TYPE TOYS “SOFT QUALITY”

¥ Die Cast Cars TRADE-UP PLUSH 15”- 27”
¥ Poodles, Lions, Cubs
¥ Bears, Monkeys, Cats
¥ Elephants, Dogs, Tigers
¥ Looney Tunes, Gorilla’s

_ PRE-PACK’S

¥ Plush Pak’s 80¢ to $3 average
¥ Sport Pak’s ¥ Football Pak’s
¥ Candy Crane Mixes

w Bubbles ¥ Key Chains ¥ Candy Valintine 100% Paks

ew 2
A ‘a
“-\

Se Ms )

¥ 3-D Watches {|
¥ Key Chains
¥ Plush Toys

a
¥ Photo Buttons >» ie
¥ Alarm Clocks uN . nA

@) ( BATTERY OPERATED TOYS ,

_\ VALENTINE ITEMS |@&

¥ Sweetheart Jewelry &#
5. Necklaces ¥ Musical we
Plush ¥ Talking Plush

Bears ¥ Rose & Vase ¥

¥ Valentine Candy

200 Items
¥ Remote Control Cars :
¥ Talking Robots ye

¥ Talking Parrot Plush

¥ Musical Ice Cream Truck’s
¥ Racing Slot Car Sets -
¥ Fire Engine Trucks ig:

VVVVVVVVUVYVVYVUYVYVUYVYVYVYUYVYUYVYUYVYUYVYUYYUYVYUYVYYYYYY

PLAY METER

FEBRUARY 1995

MAXIMIZE
YOUR PROFITS

when you install a NEO-GEO
Samurai Shodown II 1 slot conversion kit.

NV JA Se ae i a
— 4\ : ihe 3 . \ aaete . : 2 — ii ef, | Wsesdboopinty i f) Li, / J, y wn
— Ae : ¢ BS om So} i Bil / g

mA may ’ S| vias g » 28

AY sj aN fe For a minimal

ea OW GE Se ; :
CLL — ~,- Investment, you will

\\ SS shave everything you
WS Ss =soneed to convert any
cabinet into a

‘fast earning"

Samurai Shodown Il
Neo-Geo Unit.

Every Samurai Showdown II Kit includes:

] - One slot PCB 1 - Samurai Shodown II Control Panel Overlay

I- Samurai Shodown II Cartridge 2 - Samurai Shodown II kit Size Side Graphics

] - Samurai Shodown II Full Size Logo Plex ] Set each of buttons, joysticks, decals and manual
1 - Samurai Shodown !|I Monitor Bezel

v- 20603 EARL STREET
e 9 TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90503
TEL (310) 371-7100 FAX (310) 371-0969

Call your authorized SNK Corporation of America Distributor for more details.

COVER STORY

Benchmark lets its
games do the talking

f you wondered why Ron Hal-
liburton, Al Kress, and Arnold
Kaminkow named their new
company Benchmark, you
need only look in the nearest
dictionary. Benchmark is de-
fined as “something that
serves as a Standard by which
others may be measured,’
which accurately and aptly
describes the goals set forth
for Benchmark.

However, it’s not that easy
to get the three men to talk
about the company. Instead,

Key executives, (I-r): Al Kress, Ron Halliburton, Roland Berrios, Arnold
Kaminkow, and Tom Gilbert.

PLAY METER

they prefer to talk about the
industry and where its head-
ed. “The real story here is in-
teractive skill redemption,”
Arnold said.

Arnold, Ron, and Al, who
have over 110 years combined
experience in the coin-op
business, are using their
knowledge to build a compa-
ny that fits into today’s enter-
tainment industry. And they
stress the entertainment part.

“We are in the entertain-
ment industry and if you lose
sight of that fact, you lose
sight of what you are doing,”
declared Kaminkow. Arnold
began his industry career at
General Vending in the early
‘60s. He went on to serve as
president of Robert Jones In-
ternational, which later be-
came Bally N.E. Distributing,
president of Centuri, the for-
mer Allied Leisure, and as
president of Sega’s Time Out
Family Amusement chain of
arcades.

It was while he was with
Sega that Arnold became
acutely aware of the value of
the family entertainment
business. He explained: “The
evolution of our industry be-
gan with Nolan Bushnell.
Pong was the catalyst that
changed the coin machine
business to the entertainment
business. He was a true vi-
sionary. He recognized the
value of family business and
saw a need to increase the
player base. Pong brought ina
broader player base.”

Arnold saw this same phi-
losophy first-hand while at
Sega. “We were ahead of our
time,” he began. “The industry
was going far beyond 12-year-
old kids and branching out to
families. I saw then the future
of bringing families into loca-
tions to play. And that’s where
redemption comes in.”

He continued, “Basically,
redemption is offering fun for
the whole family. I’ve been
fortunate to have traveled ex-
tensively throughout the Unit-
ed States, U.K., Europe, and
the Far East and it has given

FEBRUARY 1995

COVER STORY

me a keen understanding of
where redemption is taking
us. For example, in Taiwan,
Hong Kong, The Philippines,
and Singapore re-
demption has gone
far beyond where it
is here in the Unit-
ed States. The oper-
ators there are lit-
erally in the ‘retail
merchandise busi-
ness, providing
product to. their
customers that you
wouldn't believe. In
Taiwan, families
save tickets to geta
motorbike!”

He added, “Also
in Taiwan, players
are issued savings
passbooks to de-
posit their winning
game tickets, just
like at a bank. In-
stead of carrying
around hundreds of
tickets, they can
simply give them to
the location where
they were won to be
deposited in the
passbook for future
use. If the credits
aren't redeemed by
the end of the
month, the cus-
tomer is issued ‘in-
terest, say at 10
percent per month.
This is emphasizing
the fact that tickets
are as valuable as
money.”

Ron Halliburton
also knows the in-
dustry better than most. He
was one of the founders of Al-
lied Leisure, which became
Centuri. After his success at
Allied, he formed Arcade En-
gineering, which was pur-

RI teen

PLAY METER

chased by Bally. As part of

that deal, Ron stayed on de-
veloping games until his re-
tirement in 1982.

Owner/partner Arnold Kaminkow

Owner/partner Al Kress

But Ron soon found out that
retirement was not for him, so
in 1986 he formed Jeron Tech-
nology—shortened to _ J-
Tech—the world’s largest
manufacturer of on-premises

pagers.
The third partner, Al Kress,
got into the coin machine
business just out of college,
operating large
routes in the New
York area. In the
‘70s he started his
own coin machine
distributorship,
which eventually
included four of-
fices. After selling
to Betson, Al be-

gan developing
large entertain-
ment complexes

because he had
seen the value in
family entertain-
ment. Al brought
that knowledge to
Benchmark.
Arnold, Ron, and
Al all developed a
keen awareness of
the industry and
know where it’s
headed. All arrows
are pointing to-
ward redemption
as far as they are
concerned. “To be
honest, I’ve seen
this industry for 30
years and it was al-
ways a Street loca-
tion-based indus-
try with pinballs,
jukeboxes, pool ta-
bles, and cigarette
machines,” Arnold
noted. “Then along
came video and
digital jukeboxes
and our industry
was propelled out
of the dark, dingy image it
had. I remember when we
were afraid to tell anyone
what we did for a livelihood
because they'd look at you
funny.

FEBRUARY 1995

COVER STORY

“Today, it’s a sensational in-
dustry. It’s arecognizable part
of the entertainment busi-
ness. Now when people find
out you are in the coin-op
business, they want to ask
questions. It’s respectable,’
Arnold declared.

The production team, (I-r): Dean Lovelace, Mark Williams,
Raymond Bonilla, Robert Izquierdo, Arnold Kaminkow, and

Tom Corday.

Benchmark opened in Jan-
uary 1993 without a lot of
hoopla and fanfare from its
founders. However, its first
game, Roll-For-Gold gave
them all of the publicity they
needed. Ironically, while op-
erators were raving about the
game itself, few could remem-
ber the name of the company
showing it. Of course, Arnold
thinks this is the way it should
be: “How many times have you
heard the folks at anew com-
pany ranting and raving about
how great they are. Then their
product is shown and its a
dog. We will let our product
do the talking for us.”

Benchmark is committed to
the industry and is looking to-
ward a bright future. “Re-
demption is showing no sign
of letting up. Saturation?
We've only seen the tip of the
iceberg and it’s a big iceberg!”
exclaimed Arnold. “Redemp-
tion games don’t get tired like

PLAY METER

other equipment in the
amusement game industry.
They always stay fresh and
create excitement and fun for
the player.”

Arnold, Ron, and Al talk
freely about what they see as
the future of the industry—re-

secretary.

demption. Or should we say
fun retailing?

Controller Fernando Tereso with Cheryl Johnson, executive

bination of both that is the key
to redemption success,”
Arnold explained.

They have convinced us
that redemption—fun retail-
ing—is good for family enter-
tainment centers and large
arcades, but what about street

locations? “It’ll work!” Arnold
exclaimed. “I understand that

“We are in the entertainment industry
late mbm Lelemeki-m-)(elaime)msal-i em e- em lols

Kokt-R[elal me) mat} mole m-]a-mele) [ale mm

“When an operator makes
the choice to get into redemp-
tion, he is choosing to get into
the ‘retail fun merchandise
business. And it’s a commit-
ment that cannot be taken
lightly. Redemption is far
more than placing games that
spit out tickets. It is vital to
have merchandise that has a
perceived value for players to
give them incentive to play
the games. If you have great
games and no prizes, it won't
work. If you have great prizes
and games that aren't fun, it
won t work either. It’s a com-

street locations are compet-
ing with arcades; they have
videos, pool tables, jukeboxes,
pinballs, etc. They could add
redemption but can’t store,
display, and distribute prizes.
Well, what about a catalog?
Street locations could have a
catalog listing a variety of
prizes with redeemable ticket
values. Players then could
save tickets and choose from
the items shown. It’s one way
street operators can compete
even in this area.”

There has been a vast im-
provement in the quality of

FEBRUARY 1995

a game
isagame |
is a game.............

tA
YOU MUST PT TRRSTTO

= : mies) #
‘
y “
, ae ‘.
lg So=
: ra ( m HS a ——
= ~ |
if e =
S ¥y
‘

Eeceal ha

bot ) yg
i —
Frees

Dimensions: PROGRESSIVE STRAIGHT
Height: 61" ———St TARGET
Depth: 48 go OPE oe

Width: 23.5" Ee Sor ee eae
Weight: 225 lbs.

RETAIL REDEMPTIVE BU =
oo For More Information

erin ite Contact your local distributor or call
1 Encercalimimenc tc." zi
<R” 2071 NORTH DIXIE HIGHWAY

POMPANO BEACH, FL 33060
TEL (305) 781-8080

FAX (305) 781-7900

COVER STORY

prizes and merchandise of-
fered for tickets in family en-
tertainment centers. Bench-
mark intends to offer a
product line of games
to give players the
most fun for tickets
they ll find anywhere.
And Benchmark has
the staff to accomplish
this lofty goal.

In addition to the
three founders, there’s
Roland Berrios, whom
Arnold describes as a
multi-talented cre-
ative game designer.
Roland does game
graphic artwork and
game, cabinet, and
game feature design.
His official title is di-
rector of design, but as
he says, “I wear a vari-
ety of hats.” Roland has
been in the coin-op
business since 1972,
when he was at Allied
Leisure. He left Allied
with Ron to form Ar-
cade Engineering. Af-
ter a short hiatus from
the industry he’s back.

Tom Gilbert also worked
with Ron at Arcade Engineer-
ing and J-Tech. Ron describes
Tom as “the foremost game
programmer in the industry
as far as understanding what

Engineering department, (I-r): Vice president of engineering
Ron Halliburton, director of design Roland Berrios, and soft-
ware director Tom Gilbert.

it takes to program and devel-
op games.” Ron and Tom have
worked together so long and

so well that between them
they have this uncanny
knowledge of what a game
can and has to do.
Benchmark has an impres-
sive product line. Arnold ex-

( PLAYFAIR®

i
| SHUFFLEBOARD___.

if
| Shuffleboards

are back... « aw

I and making

j money!!!

I Fra YFAIR® SHUFFLEBOARD CoO., INC.

Dimensions: i
Playing Surface
20°8** long x 20°* wide i
Cabinet 22° long x 27°" wide

FEATURES: i

@ Over-under Cash Box Doors

16° and 18°
© Barrier Control Available

time rental play or home use

e Also available: 10-1/2°, 13-1/2°, i

@ Available without coin doors for i

plained that with redemption
you don’t have to rush a prod-
uct into production because
you will be selling it
for years to come. “We
can test a game for six
months or more to
make sure we can't
possibly make it any
better. You are build-
ing a product line. You
don't build a game,
sell it for a few
months, and_ then
move on to your next
game like pinball and
video. You always will
be selling redemption
games as new 1loca-
tions open, and
adding to the expand-
ing current locations
base. But I want to em-
phasize that you must
build quality redemp-
tion games. I’ve seena
lot of inferior product
because companies
try to rush product out
because they are used
to doing that with
video and pinball.”
Benchmark’s current
line of coin rolldown, interac-
tive skill redemption games
are Roll-For-Gold, a straight
coin-to-target game, and
Golden Goose, a coin to pro-
gressive target ticket re-
demption game. Arnold hint-
ed that there are several
more games that are nearly
ready to be introduced. From
the experience the company
boasts and the games so far,
we are eager to See its next
product.A

Fort Wayne, IN 46819
(219) 747-7288

Ts ume Ge Ge ee es es es es es es ees es es ee es ee ee ee ee ees ee es es

PLAY METER 42

7021 Bluffton Road j
FAX: 219-747-0470 1-800-541-3743 j
a

FEBRUARY 1995

COPS

"What 'ya gonna do when they come for you?"

THE FIRST LIVE ACTION SIMULATOR BASED ON A HIT TV SERIES.

COPS ts a new form of entertainment:

eae Built-in recognition and appeal across all ages.
ae Players select driving or shooting action.

eae Over 30 minutes of start to finish game play.
ae Features the popular "Bad Boys” theme song.

Unique cabinet and controls:
=== 33-inch monitor simulates a big-screen TV.
=== Realistic gun control and feedback steering.
== High quality Bose speakers.

Operator Benefits:
eae Update disc,""COPS IN NEW YORK”
in Production.
==. Operator selectable ticket redemption feature.

100" ——< 8s 8 es eee ee wee

DRIVING DRIVING Telesis
AND
SHOOTING

ples eu ele) ao 5008

Atari Games/Time Warner Interactive 675 Syeamore Drive Milpitas, CA 95035
Phone: (408) 434-3700 Fax: (408) 434-3776

PLAY METER

John Ridgway

GUEST

COMMENTARY

Operators must get
more than a quarter

here are two industries that,
perhaps, I'll never get the com-
plete economic grasp on. Let
me talk about the first one, and
then I'll tie it to the next one. In
the mid-’80s I sold my distribu-
torship, left the coin-op busi-
ness, and jumped blindly into
the music business.

I figured that since I knew
music and loved listening to my
20 zigawatt sound system at
home, I’d be a natural at music
retailing. I took my dough from
the previous business and
opened up one of the most
beautiful music stores you've
ever seen. It sure was fun! I sold
lots of CDs, which were just hit-
ting the market, and rented out
lots of video tapes.

I made one big mistake, how-
ever. I priced my product so I’d
be competitive with others sell-
ing the same thing. I assumed
that ifthey were making a profit
at the prices they were charg-
ing, I must be too. Sure it’s a
ridiculous statement, but I did-
n't think I had a choice. I HAD
to price competively or I would-
n't sell product—right? If I did-
nt I thought my customers
would go down the street and
buy there instead.

Guess what? I’m not selling
music anymore, and I didn't
make any money, either. In fact,

I lost all the money I started

with and more besides. Talk
about a wake up call! Lucky for
me I was at a point in my life
where I could lose the money
and start over again in the in-
dustry I knew and loved—coin-
op.

How does the music industry,
and my experiences in it, tie
into the coin-op business? The

independent music store own-
ers and the American coin ma-
chine operator share some-
thing in common that I just
don't understand: the record
companies pass along price in-
creases every so often to the
store owners who, in turn, don't
always pass a_ proportional
amount to their customers. The
net result is that there are virtu-
ally no independent music
stores left. And you know what?
The American coin machine op-
erators are in much worse
shape! Most operators have not
raised game play prices since
the early ‘70s! In a way, you
should be congratulated be-
cause I can’t believe ANY of you
are still in business.

The manufacturers sure have
passed on THEIR costs! Every
operator should be given a
medal for busting their butts all
these years and for surviving
well into the ‘90s. Operators are
among the most intelligent and
Savvy businessmen we have
when you think about paying
more for product and not pass-
ing any of the cost onto their
customers! There are few in-
dustries that could perform as
well, given the circumstances.

I have a concern, however.
Just like in the music business,
there will come a time when
you simply cannot survive any
longer on the cash flow your
business is currently generat-
ing. It’s my opinion, judging
from what many of you have
told me this year, that the time
has arrived already for many.

My friends, you have been
asking the manufacturers for
something to boost your collec-
tions. Most of them are trying,

FEBRUARY 1995

(0 SUPPORT

e for its operators.

SOLID QUALITY, SOLIORELIRILITY

But, most importantly, a solid fu
we lasteaee com emer vertele CMUlenmeverelhmnCenciten rae ltate

technology ... technology that promis
dramatic as the change from 45RPM w€cords to compact dise

in the first place.

Put simply, the
uld do today. No compromises:
ts likely required of jukeboxes ~

more — that a juk
But itll be able to do

tomorrow. Uniquely car

The new Solid Gold. Solid quality, reliability, field support ...
and a solid future. iv

Just plain solid.

xen: ight 1994, NSM Companies -
™ Solid Gold & erBeam are trademarks of NSM Companies -

change every bit as,
‘

tm,

’ 4)
SM Solid Gold does everything — ama ;

SNS

a hc Bo
ae

Bingen, Germany ® Bensenville, I,
Bingen, Germany ® Bensenville, IL

Call, write or EAX for a complimentary
“Performance Machine” bookle

ee
NSM- Ameria
1158 Tower La
Bensenville, IL 601706"
(708) 860-5100 FAX 5

GUEST COMMENTARY

believe me. Coming from two
sides of the industry, I’m more
aware of the costs involved in
bringing quality product to this
industry. If you knew the costs,
I’m sure you would stop blam-
ing the manufacturers for your
problems (i.e. game prices) and
would begin looking at your
own business practices.

I don’t mean to sound nega-
tive about operators, but if you
don’t ask yourself tough ques-
tions and look at ways to raise
your revenue now, while you
still can, you may have few op-
tions in the near future. Costs
are going to continue to rise if
you want competitive product
from the manufacturers.

One thing often stated by the
manufacturers—and it just
sank in at the last AMOA
show—is that game prices are
roughly the same in other coun-

PATRICK'S

DAY
CRANE

PACKS

Available Now!
Call Today!

tries, and yet the operators
there are doing much better.
Why are American operators
still charging 25 cents to playa
$5,000 video game? My mind
used to quickly justify it by say-
ing that the kids won't put 50
cents in a game, that’s why. And
I'll bet most of you are thinking
the same. And that may be true
if everyone continues to oper-
ate under the same status quo.
Our game players will NEVER
put two quarters into a game if
you don’t ask them to.

The manufacturers have a
point: we must start charging
more for our product. The
games offered today are far su-
perior to the products of yester-
day. Your vehicle costs have
risen, labor costs have gone up,
not to mention insurance, game
costs, and the list goes on. And
yet, none of those escalating

Easter Pre-Packs
Also Available!!

WOCOH SS

Plush, Ine.

1-800-396-8888

10660 Kinghurst Drive e Houston, TX 77099

PLAY METER

costs are passed on to players.
You may have to stop worrying
about what the guy down the
street is doing and start charg-
ing what you have to. It might
hurt for awhile, but in the long
run you will be much better off.

Take it from someone who
learned the hard way. I tried to
do what the other guy was do-
ing, even though it hurt my
business. Ironically, I had to
close that business anyway.
Don’t worry so much about
what the next guy is doing. You
are the only one in charge; isn’t
that one of the reasons you're in
this? Didn’t you want to be your
own boss?

Today would be a great day to
do just that! If you have to, start
with just one game in each loca-
tion. But whatever you do, get
out there and doit. Worried that
your players might leave? Well,
they might—for a short time.
But when that next killer game
comes out and you are the only
one in the neighborhood who
has it because your competition
can't afford it, you'll feel mighty
proud!

Speaking of competition, we
have a customer in Los Angeles
who owns an arcade. He decid-
ed that he couldn't make it any-
more at 25-cent play. He raised
his game pricing and after a few
months he is absolutely thrilled
with his revenue. He couldn't
have done it on 25-cent play. He
was just aS concerned about
competition as anyone else
would be, but he took it upon
himself to take action. I hope all
of you will too; 50-cent play
makes great sense. A

John Ridgway is sales man-
ager at Betson Pacific and edits
the “Betson Bullet,” a newsletter
that is read by over 3,000 cus-
tomers. John’s commentary is
an expansion of a piece he wrote
for the newsletter in November.

FEBRUARY 1995

FOR SALE “7
INFORMATION AND \
DISTRIBUTOR REFERRAL \
PLEASE CALL |
800-858-RIDE

MANUFACTURED AND MARKETED BY Paks, Kieo” Rides Inc./ KIDDIE’S

BUSINESS FEATURE

Devil is in the details
with video depreciation

hile taxes may be the lesser
evil of life’s infamous con-
stants, April 15 is just around
the corner and any new found
savings at this time of year may
seem like a reprieve from the
financial grave.

More than a year and a half
ago video game operators
were given such a break in the
form of a private letter ruling
obtained from the IRS by for-
mer AMOA president Craig
Johnson. That ruling was con-
sidered a milestone for the in-
dustry, and it is proving to be
more profitable and more pop-
ular as each tax year passes.

lam a=y-l/1A Alien 2OLOmatchYcom alelmele)| (lense
ole m sole axa}imLelem’ Zelel(emal-h ica

PLAY METER

to use industry averages
for three years.”

The ruling which Johnson
received allowed him, and oth-
er operators indirectly, to use
amore advantageous method
of calculating the depreciation
on their video games.

That method, known as in-
come forecasting, calculates
depreciation by computing
each machines’ annual rev-
enue in relation to its overall
projected revenue. In depreci-
ating video games this pro-
duces radically different re-
sults from the _ traditional
depreciation method, which is
based on a set life of five or sev-
en years as spelled out by fed-
eral income tax _ rules
(MACRS).

Here is how the formula
works:

Depreciation = (Cost-Sal-
vage) x Current Net
Income/Total Forecasted Net
Income

When the ruling was first an-
nounced, the AMOA, working
in conjunction with the De-
loitte & Touche accounting
branch in Salt Lake City pro-
duced a report detailing how
the method can be used.

Some operators were al-
ready using the method prior
to the ruling. While it is diffi-
cult to determine how many
more operators have adopted
the new approach since the
ruling, Johnson said he be-
lieves that number is on the
rise.

“Based on the number of
calls I get about it, I assume
there are a lot more people us-
ing it,” he said.

According to some calcula-
tions arelatively small opera-
tor can defer up to $30,000 in
tax liability a year. A defer-
ment of that magnitude over
the course of several years can
equate to real money savings.

The five to seven year lifes-
pan provided for under
MACRS grossly overstates the
operating period of most video
arcade games. While the
equipment may last for the five
or seven year period, a game
generally loses appeal after
the first or second year thus ef-
fectively ending its usefulness.
With the uneven flow of income
based on popularity, a game’s
useful life can last even less
than a year if it fails to catch on
with the playing public.

“Sometimes after two or
three months, there’s no earn-

FEBRUARY 1995

BUSINESS FEATURE

Craig Johnson

ing power or selling power,”
says Gene Urso of Madison
Coin Machine Co. in Monona,
Wis., who has implemented in-
come forecasting for the first
time this year. “We simply
think it’s to our advantage.”

This is what Deloitte & Touch
came up with in a survey of op-
erators comparing income
forecast depreciation percent-
ages to those computed under
MACRS:

- Gene Urso

in the first year under income
forecasting would result in a
tax deferral of $252.

Debate over other games

IRS officials have previously
allowed the use of the forecast-
ing method for properties such
as movies, television pro-
grams, books, and musical
compositions, all of which gen-
erate inc 0 m e based
on their popularity as opposed
to their physical life.

While the

Income current

Forecast 5 Year 7 Year ruling can-

Method MACRS MACRS not be cit-

ed as a

Year 1 53.37% 20.00% 14.29% precedent,
Year 2 23.33% 32.00% 24.49% it is being
Year 3 13.54% 19.20% 17.49% stated as
Year 4 8.60% 11.52% 12.49% current
Year 5 1.16% 11.52% 8.93% IRS _ policy
with re-

gard to

As seen in the survey re-
sults most of the tax savings
from using the income fore-
casting method come in the
first year a game is operated.
Assuming an operator is in the
28 percent tax bracket and re-
ceives no salvage value from
the machine, a $3,000 video
game depreciated 50 percent

PLAY METER

video games. It does not
specifically include other coin-
op amusement machines.
Some operators predict that
it will eventually be expanded
to include other equipment,
possibly as aresult of another
private letter ruling. Others
suggest that while use of the
method for other equipment

Jim Hayes

may not be challenged by the
IRS, it is also unlikely that an-
other landmark private letter
ruling is forthcoming.

“To win a private letter rul-
ing is a shock,” Johnson said.
“When we first took on this bat-
tle a lot of people said we were
nuts.”

The basic requirements for
using the income forecasting
method are as follows: 1) the
physical life of the asset must
be largely irrelevant to its in-
come producing potential; 2)
each asset must have unique
income producing potential; 3)
the useful life of the asset must
be measured in terms of its in-
come producing ability.

While using the income fore-
casting method for video
games, which have such a high
rate of turnover, is clearly a
boon for operators, there is
much debate over whether it is
as applicable to other coin ma-
chines.

“There are some scenarios
with other products where
there is not the advantage,”
Johnson said.

Many operators agree that it
would not be as advantageous
for equipment such as juke-

FEBRUARY 1995

FEATURES:

=7\~) Aa nee Hey.\ a
ROLL OUT
PRIZE TRAYS

HIGH SECURITY
AN 3
GLASS CABINET
WITH TAMPER
PROOF LOCKING
SYSTEM
HUGE
SELECTION

OPTIONS:

TICKET EATER

BUILT IN CHANGE
WN@t al iyi =
BULK
DISPENSING UNIT
4 SELECTIONS

CUSTOMER
BUY-IN FEATURE
(enables cus-
tomers to buy
=) 4g: ele) ial cme) mace)

buy prizes for
cash - this feature
will really
Taled g=¥-K-{-mere) (=e
iCoyamr-lalemeiet-rolaal-14
base)

Now A PROFITABLE, EASY, AFFORDABLE WAY
To Get REDEMPTION INTo Your Locarions

Manufactured by:

Planet Earth FULLY SELF CONTAINED REDEMPTION CENTER
Entertainment | her 111
3111 N. Kenwood COMBINING THE COUNTRIES #1 REDEMPTION GAME

Building 3

Burbank, CA 91505 (DINOSCORE) WITH AHUGE CAPACITY LARGE 9 'AINWENT
PHONG: tO eae Ee SELECTION PRIZE DISPENSER

BUSINESS FEATURE

boxes and pool tables, which
have a longer earning life, and
some contend that even the
small savings reaped on pin-
ball machines might not be
worth it.

According to Johnson's cal-
culations, the tax benefits of
depreciating pinball machines
using the income forecasting
method versus a five-year
MACKRS is fairly small and is
even further skewed when op-
erators sell their used games.
“You're treading on unknown
waters and the difference (in
the depreciation percentage)
is not as big as video games,”
he said.

Salvage value can also play a
large part in whether the in-
come forecasting method is
profitable for game operators
because MACRS does not take
into account resale worth. So
operators who sell their games
while they are still popular de-
crease the benefits of using in-
come forecasting.

Another potential downside
to the method is the account-
ing work required. Income
forecasting is not a free ticket
to a tax deferment while ma-
chines are still earning money.
It does require a significant ef-
fort to calculate the annual de-
preciation so that those tax
savings can be substantiated.
Courts have ruled that failing
to keep adequate records can
result in the disallowance of
deductions computed using
the method.

To group or not to group

According to the AMOA re-
port, there are a number of
ways to track the information
necessary to substantiate use
of the income forecasting
method. The first is to track
the income of each game or
groups of the same game.

A number of operators are

PLAY METER

already using software to track
their games for in-house ac-
counting, and forecasting the
revenue for tax purposes is
now made easier through soft-
ware add-ons that estimate the
depreciation.

James Hayes of Gem Music
and Vending in Dayton, Ohio,
who has been using income
forecasting to depreciate his
video games for the last two
fiscal years, said his firm uses
the popular software program
Silent Partner, which includes
an add-on for depreciation de-
veloped specifically for accom-
modating the terms of the pri-
vate letter ruling.

“Once you set it up you just
have to push a button,” he said.
“It gets a little confusing track-
ing your games (for tax pur-
poses) when youre kitting
them. That’s the only problem I
see.”

With a system already in
place to track games, Urso
said he too intends to utilize
computer technology to calcu-
late his depreciation.

“We have no problem keep-
ing good records,” he said.
“We ve got the facts and figures
down to show exactly, for in-
stance, what NBA JAM did in
the first three or four months.”

Another way of tracking
games for tax purposes, ac-
cording to the AMOA report, is
to select a random sample of
the year’s new games and cre-
ate a single income forecast
depreciation percentage
based on the group’s perfor-
mance.

A third alternative is to
track games in theme cate-
gories, grouping’ driving
games or fighting games to-
gether, to make the necessary
calculations.

The AMOA report cautions
that it is not certain whether

the IRS will allow using groups
of games, either randomly se-
lected or chosen according to
theme. Thus, it is important to
be able to substantiate that the
method used closely matches
the results of calculating de-
preciation on a game-by-game
basis if possible.

However, some operators
say that in practical terms de-
preciating games in groups is
the only feasible method. In
fact, many contend that a title
can be interpreted as a type of
game, such as all video games,
as opposed to a particular
game.

“That’s probably the biggest
point of contention in this
area,’ Johnson said. “I know
one person who does it on a
game-by-game basis, was do-
ing it even before the ruling.
But at the beginning of each
year he spends 40 hours just to
prepare depreciation.”

According to Johnson,
tracking games by groups and
using historical data and earn-
ing trends from past years is
ultimately a much more pre-
cise way of calculating the total
forecasted income necessary
to figure the depreciation.

Calculating future revenue

Attempting to project rev-
enue on each new game, John-
son said, “is nothing but a shot
in the dark. I argued to the IRS
that using the historical data
for all video games is much
more accurate.”

It makes more sense, John-
son explains, to calculate fu-
ture revenue by looking at
video game revenue as a whole
from previous years instead of
attempting to predict the
roller coaster revenue that in-
dividual games will generate.

This can also be examined in
relation to the IRS’ aversion to
utilizing industry averages for

FEBRUARY 1995

ry a6

RN a ee ee
‘ Yt a ee ‘ 4

(AA) en amcmmstetcn, fm,

BUSINESS FEATURE

calculating depreciation, ex-
cepting machines that are put
in use near the end of the tax
year. And in such cases, the
IRS will apparently allow oper-
ators to adjust their deprecia-
tion upward of the average
monthly percentage if they
have not passed their peak
season yet. In other words, a
game might have been on the
street or in the arcade for only
two months, but those two
months happen to be when the
operator generates a large
percentage of his income.

“It appears likely that the
IRS would challenge the de-
preciation deductions of an op-
erator that used industry aver-
ages to compute depreciation
for all years,” the AMOA re-
port says. “As such, it is not ad-
visable to use industry aver-
ages beyond the first year.”

However, it may be idealistic
on the part of the government
to believe that operators can
estimate their total revenue
without the use of extensive
business data and income
trends from previous years, or
in the absence of such informa-
tion—industry averages.

“In reality, if you have not
collected data yourself,” John-
son said, “you would have to
use industry averages for
three years” to establish the
baseline necessary to make a
revenue forecast.

Operators planning to adopt
the income forecasting
method should consult with
their tax advisor before doing
so. They are also advised to at-
tach a statement of intent to
their tax returns notifying the
IRS that an election to use the
method has been made.

For more detailed informa-
tion contact the AMOA at (800)
YES-AMOA.A

PLAY METER

Operator, accountant
share forecast history

Using an in-
come fore-
casting
method for
deprecia-
tion is the
only accu-
rate way to
portray the
economics
of software-
driven coin
amusement
machines, says Gene Winstead.

“It mirrors the industry,” he
said.

Winstead, of American Amuse-
ment Arcades in Minneapolis, has
been using a version of the income
forecasting method to calculate
depreciation for close to 12 years.

While the company has never
received a private letter ruling,
Winstead’s CPA and chief operat-
ing officer Bob Bayer said they had
an accounting firm do extensive
research on the issue in the early
1980s. “It was a place to hang our
hat on if the IRS came after us,”
Bayer explained.

“Technically we did it for 12
years without being challenged,”
said Winstead. “AMOA really
fought the fight.”

The method used by Winstead’s
company is a slight variation on
the format developed by the
AMOA. Bayer said they depreci-
ate games 48 percent in the first
year, 35 percent in the second, and
17 percent in the third. AMOA
numbers are slightly higher in the
first year and then lower in the
second and third.

The system Bayer currently
uses, in particular the revenue
forecast, has been developed
based on trends gleaned from pre-
vious years.

“We've been using it for quite
some time; it may be that we’re not
making enough depreciation in
the first years,” said Winstead,
adding that his company is looking
at adopting a more aggressive de-
preciation method.

“Bob set it up with some basis.
Most CPAs would not understand
the short life of our equipment,” he

Gene Winstead

added. “We came to the same con-
clusion as the AMOA from a differ-
ent angle. Longer life depreciation
was really unfair to the operator.”

The real goal, Bayer said, is to
have depreciation percentages in
each year match the percentage of
total revenue in that same year.
That provides for tax savings in
the early years, when compared to
a five- or seven-year MACRS, and
less depreciation deductions in
the later years.

“This gives you a true market
feel; it realistically portrays a non-
cash expense,” Bayer said. “We're
talking about an accounting prin-
ciple known as matching, match-
ing the expenses to the revenue.
It’s also an operating principle
that allows us to get better return
on our investment.”

While Winstead said he does
use the forecasting method for his
pingames, which have a heavy
turnover, he has been “straying
away’ from applying it to his re-
demption equipment. “The harder
assets like pool tables and juke-
boxes we also treat differently,” he
said.

Games are depreciated in
groups, with separate categories
for driving games, fighting games,
etc. Both Winstead and Bayer said
they would like to track deprecia-
tion on each and every game. But
echoing other operators, they said
the resources to do that just aren't
available at present.

_In order to pursue a more ag-
gressive depreciation model, Bay-
er said the company could start
with AMOA’s percentages and
work from there. “I’d probably
start using their percentages and
see if history bears that out,” he
said. “We still have to make the ad-
justments” on revised total income
projections.

But Winstead cautioned that op-
erators should not recklessly
adopt aggressive depreciation fig-
ures.

“You do have to back it up; it can
still be challenged by the IRS,” he
added. “That’s why you better be cor-
rect with your income forecasting.”

FEBRUARY 1995

Count on National Ticket Company for machine-issued

tickets for all of your redemption games. Stock “1 COUPON”
tickets are available for immediate shipping. We can also
design a ticket just for you with your logo and exclusive

copy. Youll always win with National tickets!

The Ticket Eater”!

Don’t forget to ask about
Ticket Eater, our ticket
counter/shredder. Counts and
shreds 13 tickets per second.

TIGRE T

National

GC ©

PRICE ROLLBACK!!
GIVE US A CALL FOR OUR
"NEW"

LOWER PRICES!!

SION a
VISA S>
a
Home Office

National Ticket Company

P.O. Box 547

Shamokin, PA 17872

ORDER DEPARTMENT
1-800-829-0829

TOLL-FREE FAX
1-800-829-0888

Other Information 1-717-672-2900
Int'l Fax 1-717-672-2999

PLAY METER

Se Bias

eet Tie

Randy Fromm’s TechFest
at ACME ‘95

andy Fromm, the industry's most
famous technician, will present
something really new and differ-
ent at ACME ‘95 in Reno. It’s
called TechFest and Randy de-
scribes it as the first time ever at a
major trade show that the “coin-
op technicians will get the special
recognition they deserve.”

TechFest will include lectures,
presentations, demonstrations,
displays, PCB repair tools and
supplies, an employment “job
shop,” multiple video theaters
presenting non-stop tech training
films, and more.

TechFest will take place in a
special section of the main exhibit
floor, where exhibitors are invited
to participate in a special display
area. There will be exhibits by
suppliers of parts, diagnostic tools
and equipment, PCB rework
equipment, and any other compa-
ny wanting to talk with techni-
clans.

Randy is so excited about this
new concept in education for tech-
nicians that we wanted to hear
more from him about TechFest.
Here's what he had to say:

Q: How is this different from the
typical seminar program you pre-
sent at major shows?

A: We need to make it clear that
it’s on the main floor and it’s an on-
going educational experience.
Technicians could spend all three
days at TechFest and still not see
and experience everything we
have to offer. Attention all techni-
cians: tell your boss that this is one
show that he should bring you to.
It will be well worth the trip.

The lectures are not going to be
the formal sitdown type of semi-
nars. We're going to have an open
amphitheater for one-hour mini
seminars. We’ll have manufactur-
er’s representatives talking about
their product, telling what failed
and how to fix it. All who agreed to
participate admit that games do
fail, so they'll tell us how to fix
them. This will be technician-to-

technician talk.

Twice a day I'll be doing moni-
tor troubleshooting seminars in
which I’ll demonstrate hands-on
monitor troubleshooting tech-
niques. Also we re going to be run-
ning video tape training programs
on game repair. There will be
chairs around the monitor so
technicians can sit and watch as
long as they want. There also will
be one in Spanish.

Another unique concept is en-
couraging demonstrations in the
booths by the exhibitors, which
previously was impractical. For
example, there will be demonstra-
tions on test equipment.

Q: Tell us more about the job
shop?

A: It'll be a bulletin board to
bring operators looking for tech-
nicians and technicians looking
for a job together.

Q: You mentioned the techni-
cian certification program in one
of your articles. Can you briefly
explain this concept?

A: This is a hopeful thing. Peo-
ple will be able to sign up for par-
ticipation in the National Amuse-
ment Technician Certification
Program.

Q: How will the exhibitors be in-
cluded in TechFest?

A: The TechFest section will be
exclusively for companies who
want to reach the technicians.
They can have their booth in Tech-
Fest or they can have a satellite
booth. This could include the ser-
vice departments of the major
manufacturers so the service peo-
ple can talk to the technicians; na-
tional parts houses like Wico; and
manufacturers of test equipment.

As I said, this section will be de-
voted to technicians. They don't
get the recognition they deserve
and you can imagine where the in-
dustry would be without them!

If you want more information
on TechFest, contact W.T. Glasgow
at (708) 333-9292 or FAX (708) 333-
4086.4

FEBRUARY 1995

NN
HHS ee
Aes Sel

vi std
4 wy

2 @-?
.

‘

. °
~, ) -:> - a
= ae a

' * Karn : it’ As 5 .
. |! ne HEY) UT — a ast ety
: TI UAL
Ce dee ies

( —
“At oe
in ¥ ME) :

} Neg it
af , i? i / ih" i

{ ) |
{ é 4 ' i]
1) Ch ,

Relief is on the way in the form of Play Meter’s expanded
21-page Tax Tips and Management section aimed at helping
the small businessman. There’s a delicate balance between
what’s good for your company and what government extracts in
April. Longtime columnist and tax guru Irving Blackman
explains several measures you can take to legally lighten
your tax burden and beat the IRS at its own game.
Management expert Channing Hayden offers sage
advice on how to salvage a sinking enterprise: where to
go for help, how to keep the bankruptcy bogeyman away,
and how to interpret financial statements
and profitability ratios.

PLAY METER oF FEBRUARY 1995

PLAY METER

Channing Hayden

MANAGEMENT

Mayday, mayday, my

business is sinking

Part 1:
Where to go for help

When your small or mid-
sized company is in trouble,
what should you do? There are
1,700 turnaround consultants in
the United States who would
like you to hire them, but
frankly, if a small business is in
crisis, it usually can’t afford a
for-profit consultant.

Help you can afford

Surprisingly, there are a
number of sources of no-cost or
low-cost help, and first on the
list is the Small Business Ad-
ministration. The SBA has
three programs that provide
no-cost consultants for small
businesses: the Service Corps
of Retired Executives
(S.C.O.R.E.), a nationwide net-
work of Small Business Devel-
opment Centers, and Small
Business Institutes across the
country.

To be eligible, you must meet
the SBA size standards for
small businesses accompany-
ing this article. The Small Busi-
ness Administration says,
“Most businesses are consid-
ered small by (our) standards.”

S.C.O.R.E. (the name says it
all) is staffed by retired busi-
ness people who volunteer
their time to help small busi-
nesses. Through S.C.O.R.E.,
you should be able to find a
counselor with expertise ap-
plicable to arcades or amuse-
ment centers, if not one who
has successfully operated a
business exactly like yours.
Help from someone who faced
your problems, and overcame
them, may be just the prescrip-
tion for what ails your company.

Most Small Business Devel-

opment Centers (SBDCs) oper-
ate through universities, al-
though you may find one
through your state’s Depart-
ment of Economic Develop-
ment or other sources.

SBDCs furnish paid coun-
selors to help you; paid by the
SBA, not you. SBDCs associat-
ed with a college or university
may make use of the school’s
faculty and students to help the
SBDC counselors. You're re-
sponsible for the cost if those
resources are used.

I asked Rene Puissegur,
Development Counselor with
the University of New Orleans
SBDC, what’s the difference
between S.C.O.R.E. and a
SBDC. Essentially, S.C.O.R.E.’s
strength is providing coun-
selors with specific experience
in a given industry. SBDCs’
counselors have MBA degrees
with a diverse knowledge base,
but not necessarily experience
in a particular industry.

The perfect solution may be
alphabet soup. S.C.O.R.E. and
the SBDC program work to-
gether. With a counselor from
each (perfectly acceptable, ac-
cording to Mr. Puissegur) you
get practical experience and
theoretical grounding at no
cost to you.

The SBA’s Small Business In-
stitutes (SBI are associated
with colleges and universities,
too, making use of faculty and
students to perform a SWOT
analysis (Strengths, Weakness-
es, Opportunities, and Threats)
of clients’ businesses. As with
its other two programs, the
SBA, not you, pays for the
SWOT study.

As far as advice to small busi-
nesses using S.C.O.R.E., the

FEBRUARY 1995

64 x 128

((sas°)) _ GAS PLASMA
SUPER JACKPOT {| = Ee Dae. DISPLAY

OVERHEAD DISPLAY SIGN

MANAGEMENT

SBDC program, or the SBIs, Mr.
Puissegur says to come in be-
fore your problem becomes a
disaster. Much of his SBDC’s
work is crisis management be-
cause clients wait too long to
seek help. When a small busi-
ness owner does finally show
up at an SBDC, he may some-
times find a one- or two-week
wait before the initial counsel-
ing session, more than enough
time for matters to get much
worse.

“The true test of a
consultant's
e)geyc- ela cian

ated i als
re] 0) 0) gey- lel al=m Lelele
e) me) e) (=) 00 iam

Don’t expect miracles from
the counselors. I was once as-
signed an SBDC client who sat
across the desk from me at our
first meeting and said, “I filed
Chapter 11 last week. Now
what?” After seeing his finan-
cials, | suggested a novena to
St.Jude, the patron saint of im-
possible causes.

If there is no S.C.O.R.E. pro-
gram, SBDC, or SBI nearby, you
may want to go directly to your
local business college for help,
engaging a faculty member(s)
as aconsultant. The cost of this
option depends on the arrange-
ments you make with the con-
sultant.

Another alternative is offer-
ing your amusement center as
a case study for one of the busi-
ness school’s courses. This is
Similar to going to an SBI,
though the class may focus on

PLAY METER

Sources Of no-cost and low-
cost business consultants

The Small Business Administration through
these programs:

1. Service Corps of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E.)
2. Small business development centers

3. Small business institutes

4. Local universities and business schools—engaging
faculty a consultants or offering your business as a

case study

5. Local chamber of commerce

6. Trade association

7. Local library or bookstore (start with “Valuing a
Business, the Analysis and Appraisal of Closely
Held Companies” by Shannon Pratt (Second
Edition, Richard Irwin Inc., 1989, ISBN 1-55623-127-X).

SBA size standards for small businesses

(Based on average annual receipts for the last three
complete fiscal years, or the average number of employees
per pay period during the most recently completed 12-month

period.)

Retail and Service Under $13.5 million

Construction
Agriculture
Wholesale
Manufacture

Under $17 million

Under $3.5 million

No more than 100 employees
No more than 1,500 employees

These are the SBA loan guidelines which generally define
the size company eligible for S.C.O.R.E., SBDC, and SBI
assistance. Individual types of businesses within these
broad classifications may have different requirements.

Source: University of New Orleans SBDC

just one aspect of your busi-
ness, i.e. finance or marketing.
The analysis and insight of
bright students guided by an
experienced professor may be
quite helpful. And, as the sub-

ject of a case study, you may get
that help for as little as the
price of a few pizzas.

Your local Chamber of Com-
merce may provide some limit-
ed counseling, as might your in-

FEBRUARY 1995

MEM RY,
WIAIGTI

...18 ON IT’S WAY!
<< Animated Flintstones™
Mg Characters!
&) Authentic
AAA Voices and
IO, be ye Music!
pan
S Plywood and
Formica Cabinet!

@ 25° Color
Monitor!

@ Ticket
Dispenser! —

Length: 30"
Width: 29"
Height: 77"

Weight: 295 Lbs.

Bitnce oe oOo
| The Flintstones™ and all character names, (d
— UOTE aire cise raises le
<2
COASTAL 601 Prospect Street « Lakewood, NJ 08701

ee Reserved Manfactured Exclusively By Coastal Amusements, Inc.
AMUSEMENTS INC. 908-905-6662 » FAX 908-905-6815
“,..manufacturers & distributors of coin-op redemption games...”

MANAGEMENT

dustry trade association. For
die-hard do-it-yourselfers,
there’s always the library or
bookstore. When reviewing
current management books,
don't look for a silver bullet to
solve all your problems; it does-
n't exist. Do your research, find
the technique which seems best
to address your particular
problem, then tailor it specifi-
cally to the needs of your com-
pany.

A good book to start with
may be “Valuing a Business:
The Analysis and Appraisal of
Closely Held Companies” by
Shannon P. Pratt (Second Edi-
tion, Richard D. Irwin, Inc.,
1989, ISBN 1-55623-127-X). Not
only is it asource of good infor-
mation, it’s big and heavy
enough to supply small busi-
ness owners with the exercise
they usually don’t get.

Don't take chances! Dependable

performance, on time delivery, and
outstanding service have made us the

preferred choice of manufacturers,
operators and distributors for over
10 years.

“We very much appreciate all the
effort that you have put forth to
meet our unscheduled needs.”

John S. Mc Ewan, MELTEC Inc.

“The quality of your product is excellent.
It has traly withstood the test of time.”

Joseph W. Sladek, SKEE BALL Inc.

“In our business where service is the key
.. everyone in your organization excels.”
Gene Cramm, ShowBiz Pizza Time, Inc.

Deltronic
Labs inc.

ila

PLAY METER

Jack Mendes, Jr. Bob’s Space Racers, Inc.

“You certainly deserve your status as
the leader. Keep up the good work.” |

Professionalism, expertise,

experience, and click

These are the four most im-
portant qualities of any consul-
tant. For me, the true test of a
consultant’s professionalism is
how he approaches your prob-
lem. Uppermost in a consul-
tant’s mind must be the fact
that at the end of the day he
goes home and the problem
stays with you.

In his book, “Up The Organi-
zation,” Robert Townsend de-
fines amanagement consultant
as a person who borrows your
watch to tell you what time it is.
Essentially, that definition is
correct. However, the exercise
of helping you find your watch
is the true value of a consultant.
The correct solution to your
problem usually lies within you
and your company.

The proof of a consultant's

Choose the “industry standard” for ticket dispensers

Redemption Machine

Ticket Dispenser

¢ Push button loading

e Validation

¢ Quick release ticket
suide for easy
servicing

professionalism is whether he
offers a solution to your prob-
lem, or helps you find the best
solution given the individual
circumstances of your busi-
ness. Canned answers are fine
as long as both you and your
counselor realize that even the
best one must be tailored to the
cut and color of the environ-
ment in which you operate.
Expertise and experience
are self-explanatory. Look fora
consultant knowledgeable in
the area of your problem, ideal-
ly with a background dealing
with companies like yours.
Don’t be shy. Whether using
S.C.O.R.E. consultants, SBDC
counselors or college faculty,
interview several. Ask for ref-
erences and check them. Don’t
sign on with a consultant unless
youre satisfied he can help
you. Don't be unreasonable ei-

120 Liberty Lane, Chalfont, PA 18914 ¢ 215 997-8616 « FAX# 215-997-9506

¢ Counts and destroys
redeemed tickets

FEBRUARY 1995

You'll Strike It}ACE( with This Treasure
TESS 2

me Seeds

MV ae bios eee a
Cee
e

NEW FROM

LAZER-TRON |

~ -
il. | aaa
’
° ae A «
~~“) .. > eee ee eeS—té«*d:*« SY ees 0
| I I ee! eer bl ME
Zi aie 6M ee ee ll ew RE
> * 2»! eee elClUCU mt lCOttt—t—é—é=<‘ COS eee
eae jé- © , Tes \ a ll ll” OF Re
» »4js~fiz- _— wa Teens ea h—h6hlClUhhhUC( tC
aaa) .— (ae rT. ee eee
\ Ore Sa CL wh ff
> - . 4
’ .
Ee nw os
od y ft at

Players will scurry to find the keys and unlock the riches held in the
treasure chest of Pirate's Gold™ Players use their skills to try and
guide their coins through pins into target holes on this fast paced
coin-drop game. Players win tickets for each target they hit
and if they hit all 6 targets they win the jackpot.

PLAY TILL YOU WIN!

Pirates Gold features a unique play till you
mye “EY os @ win Style which insures that every player is
Rie te ee a winner. If the player's coin does not go

nt ieee eee ee into one of the targets, or the
eo | treasure chest,
a = ‘ the coin will be [
aa N= (1 returned to

j the player to
/ be played
again. at
Treasure chest jackpot >

INNOVATORS IN REDEMPTION! PIRATE'S GOLD FEATURES:
Pirate’s Gold™ is brought to you by Lazer-Tron, creators of © Fully operator adjustable © Size: 25 1/4"W x 22"D x 61"T
the following hit games: Ribbit Racin", Spin-To-Win", © Outstanding pirate © Quality construction
Aftershock", Jungle Rama", Shake, Rattle & Roll", sound effects! © Weight 250 lbs.
Super Bank-It II”, Wild Thing™ and Flintstones". © Progressive bonus jackpots @ Made with pride in the U.S.A.

: ; ]
Experience the difference: @ UL listed

Call Lazer-Tron today for the

distributor nearest you. on LAZER-TROM

LAZER-TROM eC Vion Roa
Patented and Patents Pending LIGHT YEARS AHEAD! Pleasanton, CA 94588
© 1994 Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc. Phone: (51 0) 460-0873

Fax: (510) 460-0365

MANAGEMENT

ther.

Click is the rapport that
must exist between consultant
and client. While it’s not neces-
sary for the two of you to be-
come lifelong friends, a certain
compatibility must exist.

Click might also be de-
scribed as mutual respect.
However you define it, if you
and your consultant don't click,
your problems likely won't be
solved.

Shut up and listen

Just as you should expect
certain things from a consul-
tant, he expects certain things
from you. The most important
is for you to maintain an open
mind. My most frustrating con-
sulting engagement was with
an entrepreneur who wanted
me to validate his opinions
rather than help him solve his
problems. As he rambled on,
arguing whenever I suggested
a different slant, I wondered
why I was there. He knew all
the answers. And if he did, why
was he in so much trouble?

When anyone has been close
to a problem for a long time,
forget not seeing the forest for
the trees. We can't see the trees
for the bark. It’s the different
perspective a consultant brings
to your problem that’s so valu-
able. Give him the opportunity
to express that viewpoint.

Of course, you should ask
questions. Of course, you
should challenge the assump-
tions on which recommenda-
tions are made. Though your
consultant is probably no more
savvy then you, his greatest val-
ue in helping you solve your
problem is afresh and different
viewpoint. Use it wisely.

Your consultant also re-
quires, no, demands that you be
completely honest. It’s confes-
sion time. He must be told the
deep, dark secrets you'd rather

PLAY METER

die then let the IRS know. If
you dip into the cash register
whenever the kids need lunch
money, if some of the potato
chips from the concession
stand find their way to the
pantry at home, say so.

“Apply the three-
step management
ole) ala ge) me) cele ye
measure perfor-
mance, compare
el-axe)gaat-lalecme-lale:

take remedial ac-
tion when
el=)ane)aattelare=
deviates from the
standard.”

Finally, your consultant
would like a little feedback. Six
months or so later he would
like to find out how you're do-
ing. A consultant’s skills in-
crease based on knowing what
works and what doesn’t. Un-
derstanding the glitches that
developed in implementing the
solution you and he applied will
help your consultant do a bet-
ter job. And if you can use a tad
of help in glitch-adjusting, a lit-
tle free advice over the phone
never hurts.

Life after the
consultant leaves
When the consultant leaves,
you usually have a lot of work
ahead of you implementing the
solution. Effecting some are
easy. If the consultant helped
you prepare a business plan to
secure an expansion loan, all

that’s left is getting the loan
(the consultant may have
helped with that) and spending
the money as planned.

But suppose the solution re- —
quires a different attitude on
the part of your staff in dealing
with customers. It’s not enough
to say, “Be nice to the kids,” and
walk away. You have to follow
through—monitor the staff, re-
inforce the behavior you want,
discourage the conduct you
don't, perhaps provide train-
ing.

Most importantly, you must
tie the desired behavior to your
reward system. Put your salary
increases, bonuses, and promo-
tions where your mouth is.

Part 2: Keeping the bank-
ruptcy bogeyman away

We already talked about how
to find no-cost or low-cost help
when your business is in trou-
ble. Wouldn't it be better to
avoid the problem in the first
place? Of course, but how?

One option is to have the
SWOT Analysis done by an SBA
Small Business Institute (SBD
even when your business is do-
ing fine. Think of it as preventa-
tive maintenance. If youd
rather not have strangers pok-
ing around your business, you
can do the work yourself.

Analyzing your
financial statement

Before you or an SBI can an-
alyze your financial statement,
you have to have one. In order
to reduce costs, many small
businesses skip financial state-
ments and operate with only a
tax return. That may be a mis-
take.

Tax returns are usually good
for only one thing—paying tax-
es. Since it’s every citizen’s pa-
triotic duty to pay as little in-
come tax as possible (otherwise

FEBRUARY 1995

* Advanced Optical, ee

° ae Access for Cleaning & amice.
¢ Up or Down Mounting.

Front Color LED.

High Acceptance Rate.

Accepts $1, $5, $10, $20 USa we
More Affordable.

weer ~

pe AE
- Sea AeSsah idk ae Saabs Ata eee od
apy Nap tehnee Wap Ut Te PATO ee
bs ees ae ad i :

Press

3-390 Edeel a |
Canada. L4K 37

Tel: (905) 669-CASH Fax: (905) 669-CODE CashCode

MANAGEMENT

Congress wouldn't have creat-
ed all those loopholes), many
small business tax returns are,
shall we say, extremely cre-
ative. What’s OK to tell the tax
man may not be the best infor-
mation on which to run a busi-
ness.

I’d suggest a financial state-
ment regardless of the size of
your route or amusement cen-
ter. There are many small busi-
ness accounting software pack-
ages available to do the job.
Talk with your accountant be-
fore choosing one.

Alternatively, your accoun-
tant may be able to provide a fi-
nancial statement for you
based on the data he has on file.
This option could be expensive
because, to be useful, a finan-
cial statement should be avail-
able at least quarterly, if not
monthly. Your best bet may be
software for your personal
computer.

There are two parts to a fi-
nancial statement, the Balance
Sheet and the Profit and Loss
Statement (P&L or income
statement). The Balance Sheet
shows your assets, liabilities,
and net worth (the owners’ in-
vestment in the business). Total
assets must equal liabilities
plus owners’ equity. That’s why
it’s called a Balance Sheet.

Assets and liabilities are fur-
ther broken down into short
term and long term. Short
term, or current assets are
those that can usually be con-
verted quickly into cash, i.e.
cash, accounts’ receivable,
short-term notes receivable,
and inventory. Real estate, ve-
hicles, etc., may take longer to
turn into cash.

Liabilities are broken down
into short and long term de-
pending on their payout. Gen-
erally, anything due in the cur-
rent fiscal year is a short-term
liability; payouts beyond that

PLAY METER

are long-term liabilities.

The Profit and Loss state-
ment is just what it’s name im-
plies: a statement of income
and expenses for the time peri-
od in question—usually month-
ly, quarterly, and annually.

Mm latclaleliclmaciaies
allow you to
of=iu=)aaallatsmaal=
‘olojateliniolamelm'celela

business by

ololanleyclaialemie
mem iealiicla

companies.”

The best approach may be a
monthly P&L that shows year-
to-date results as well. Then
you have both a summary of
your most recent performance
and your operating results dur-
ing the fiscal year to date.

Taken together, the Balance
Sheet and P&L forms the basis
of a SWOT review or your own
analysis of your business.

The three-step

control process
To prevent the bankruptcy
bogeyman from visiting your
business, you have to look for
the symptoms that tell you
things are not going well. This
requires applying the three-
step management control
process: measure your perfor-
mance, compare your perfor-
mance to a standard of accept-
able performance, and take
remedial action when your per-
formance deviates significantly

from the standard.

Your financial statement
represents the measurement of
the performance of your busi-
ness. The next step is to find a
standard against which you can
measure your performance.

Here’s how. When you file
your income tax, you report
your Standard Industrial Clas-
sification (SIC). Numerous
data-collection companies
compile financial information
by SIC, which allows you to
compare your financial results
to other businesses like yours.
Of all the industry statistics I’ve
seen, I prefer Industry Norms &
Key Business Ratios produced
by Dunn & Bradstreet Informa-
tion Services. It should be avail-
able in your local library or the
library of your local business
school.

Industry Norms presents
data by four-digit SIC for most,
if not all, SICs. Other data-col-
lection publications either do
not provide data for every SIC,
or lump companies together
according to the first two-digits
of the SIC.

Not only does Industry
Norms present data by four-dig-
it SIC, it provides information
by company asset size and
gives typical balance sheet
amounts and percentages, op-
erating data, comparative in-
formation for 14 commonly
used ratios, and quartile data
for the ratios. All this allows
you to compare, on a nation-
wide basis, the performance of
your business to other busi-
nesses similar to yours.

To illustrate, the table ac-
companying this article shows
Industry Norms’ 1993 data for
SIC 7993, Coin-Operated
Amusement Devices, for estab-
lishments with $100,000 to
$250,000 in assets. Information
on SIC 7996, Amusement
Parks, is also available.

FEBRUARY 1995

» STO VALUING, PICVE TIN ANT LYVATIVIN ;

CATCH THE DINGSCORE CRAZE

ALL GLASS AND STEEL CONSTRUCTION
PROVEN DEPENDABILITY / RELIABILITY
BUILT SUPER TOUGH

Holds Six Thousand Tickets

Gver 28 Different Skill Shots te Hit
Accurate Bookkeeping and Diagnostics
Fantastic Realistic Dinosaur Sounds
Easy Adjustability of Percentages of
Tickets / Tokens per Coin

Can be Set te Give an Instant Ticket / Token
Guee Player Inserts & Coin

116 oP 226 Volt

Fast Ticket Pay Gut

Very Low Maintenance

Easy to Change Target Settings
Aim at 6ne of the Many Life
Like Dinesaurs or Shoot

inte the Active Retl Hot
Erupting Voleane

Ticket or Token Dispenser
Neon Cabinet Lights

Large Prize Redemption Unit
Bulk Prize Redemption Unit

Combination
Wc / elias
ViSPenser

A TRUE SKILL GAME |

3111 N. Kenwood, Building 3 « Burbank, CA 91505

TELEPHONE- (818)-295-2855

MANAGEMENT

So you can see how the data
is targeted, listed below is In-
dustry Norms’ breakdown of
SIC 7993 by asset size for 1993.

No. of
Companies Asset Range
139 No Breakdown
30 $100,000 to $250,000
20 $250,000 to $500,000
25 $500,000 to $1 million
38 $1 million to $5 million

(Part 3 will cover how to use
Industry Norms’ information in
analyzing your businesses’ op-
eration.)

The third step in the control
process is to take remedial ac-
tion if your arcade does not
measure up to standard in
some area(s). The kind of cor-
rective action depends on the
problem and your individual
circumstances. You'll have to
tailor the solution to your needs
or get help from one of the
sources listed in Part 1.

Now for the first two steps:
how to analyze and interpret
your financial data and com-
pare it to the industry standard.

How do you stack up?

After you've found the SIC
data in Industry Norms that ap-
plies to you (by SIC code, asset
size and region, if available) the
first thing to do is compare the
balance sheet of your business
to the typical balance sheet for
businesses the type and size of
yours.

We'll assume your business-
es’ SIC is 7993 and that you fall
in the $100,000 to $250,000 asset
range, so we can use Table 1 for
discussion.

On average, businesses of
this size have total assets (and
total liabilities and net worth) of
$178,882, allocated as shown.
But suppose your business is at
the top end of the asset range,
$250,000. What should your as-

PLAY METER

set distribution look like?

That’s where the percent-
ages comes in. Businesses with
assets between $100,000 and
$250,000 have 10.3 percent (or
$18,425) of their assets in cash.
Thus, a business with $250,000
in assets should have 10.3 per-
cent ($25,750) of its assets in
cash, and so on. The percent-
age distribution of liabilities is
used the same way.

mlame)ae(-)mnena-lelb(e—
‘olol-j mom aatlahaciaatel
businesses skip
alatclalelte]

statements and
operate with
only a tax
return. That may
be a mistake.”

Below the entry for Total Lia-
bilities and Net Worth, Industry
Norms gives operating (P&L)
data: Net Sales, Gross Profit,
Net Profit After Taxes, and
Working Capital. Again, com-
pare your business to the stan-
dard, making whatever adjust-
ments are necessary because of
asset size.

To adjust Net Sales for asset
size, divide your assets by the
asset value for the average
company, then multiply the re-
sult by the Net Sales for the av-
erage company.

For example, if your assets
are $100,000 your Net Sales
should be: $100,000 divided by
$178,882 = 0.559, the asset ad-
justment factor; 0.559 x $373,362
= $208,709, the expected Net

Sales for a SIC 7993 company
with $100,000 in assets.

Gross and Net Profit margins
should be calculated using the
percentages given in Industry
Norms. Typical working capital
is calculated by applying the as-
set adjustment factor to the
working capital given in Indus-
try Norms for the average com-
pany: $(33,093) x 0.559 =
$(18,499). (Look for more about
negative working capital in
Part 3.)

Using ratio analysis

In addition to typical finan-
cial information for businesses
like yours, Industry Norms pro-
vides data on 14 commonly
used financial ratios. These ra-
tios allow you to determine the
condition of your business by
comparing it to similar compa-
nies in three areas: solvency, ef-
ficiency, and profitability.

The Key Business Ratios
chart accompanying this arti-
cle explains how ratios are gen-
erally interpreted and used. [n-
dustry Norms gives’ three
values for each ratio: the upper
quartile (UQ), median (MED),
and lower quartile (LQ).

Here’s how these three num-
bers are calculated. For each
company in Industry Norms’
sample, the ratio is determined
and the results ranked from
best to worst. In some cases, the
lower the number, the better.
After the results of a ratio have
been ranked, the number in the
middle is given as the median.
Halfway from the median to the
best ranking is the upper quar-
tile, and halfway from the medi-
an to the worst value is the low-
er quartile.

Take some time to get your fi-
nancial statement in order and
calculate the 14 ratios for the
past three years (trends are im-
portant).

FEBRUARY 1995

MANAGEMENT

Table 1
SIC Code 7993
Coin-Operated Amusement Devices
Assets of $100,000 to $250,000
1993 Data (30 Establishments)

Category Dollars Percent

Assets

Cash 18,425 10.3

A/C Receivable 2,147 1.2

Notes Receivable 4 830 LA

Inventory 4,472 i2

Other Current 6,261 33

Total Current 36, 134 20.2

Fixed Assets 115,916 64.8

Other Non-current 26 ,832 15.0

Total Assets 178 882 100.0

Liabilities

A/C Payable 5,009 2.8

Bank Loans = 7

Notes Payable 20,929 Wed

Other Current 43,289 24.2

Total Current 69,227 38.7

Other Long Term 28 , 800 16.1

Deferred Credits -- --

Net Worth 80,855 45.2

Total Liabilities and Wet 178,882 100.0

Worth

Net Sales 373, 362 100.0

Gross Profits 238, 205 63.8

Net Profit after tax 24 269 6.5

Working Capital (33,093] --

Ratios U0 MRD LQ Tho.
Solvency

Quick (times) 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.3
Current (times) 1.6 0.4 0.2 0.52
Cur Laib to NW (4) ae 58.1 153.4 85.6
Cur Laib to Inv (4} 161.1 320.9 442.4 1448
Tot Laib to NW (4) 21.5 112.4 226.5 121.2
Fixed Assets to NW (2) 66.9 154.2 272.8 143.4
Bf ficiency

Call Period (days) 4. a3 6.5 be
Sales to Inv (times) 81.0 43.2 21.1 83.5
Assets to Sales (4) 43,8 46.8 86.0

Sales to Nwc (times) 26.4 9.2 2.9 --
A/C Pay to Sales (4) 1.3 1.4 4.6 1.3
Profitability

Return on Sales (4) 15.3 3.9 (1.8) 6.5
Return on Assets (4) 15.4 7.6 (5.2) 13.6
Return on Nw (4) 36.1 22.0 (4.1) 30.0

Source; Industry Norms & Key Business Ratios, Three Year Bdition 1993-94. Used with permission, Dunn & Bradstreet Information

Services.

PLAY METER

FEBRUARY 1995

MANAGEMENT

Part 3: What the numbers

mean

If you did your homework
you have a financial statement
and most of the 14 ratios calcu-
lated for the last three fiscal
years. Now well get a handle
on interpreting the ratios.

First, we need a common set
of financial statements from
which to work. Refer to Table 1.
I’ve calculated the 14 ratios for
the typical company data given
above the ratios in Industry
Norms and put the results un-
der the column headed T.C. for
Typical Company.

Seeing how Typical Compa-
ny compares to industry stan-
dards and what those compar-
isons mean, you should
understand how to interpret
your own data. If some points
are not completely clear, your
accountant or one of the SBA
programs mentioned in Part 1
should be able to help.

Some of the standard ratios
are not meaningful to an ar-
cade or amusement center; for
example, collection period (be-
cause yours is a mostly cash
business) and those ratios in-
volving inventory (i.e., Current
Liabilities to Inventory). We'll
include them in the discussion
below for completeness, but
their usefulness in helping you
manage your business may be
marginal.

Solvency ratios

The Quick and the Current
Ratios measure the protection
afforded short-term creditors,
with the first more stringent
than the second. The Quick Ra-
tio is more exacting because it
only looks at the most liquid of
your businesses’ assets (cash
and accounts receivable) in de-
termining your ability to pay
debts.

While a Quick Ratio of 1.0
and a Current ratio of 2.0 is

PLAY METER

considered good, don't look at
these two ratios from the point
of view that more is better. Be-
ing too liquid may mean your
assets are not working hard
enough for you.

not the data shown in Industry
Norms. It also suggests that any
company with negative work-
ing capital take steps to correct
that situation.

Current Liabilities to Net

“Solvency isn't just an issue for
‘ol g=le |] Ke) acme ieecaleleliemel=m-maatclia

oo) alol-] dame) mere) ani ey-lahment-latclelsjentsale
as well.”

Typical Company’s Quick
Ratio is significantly less than
1.0 (though above the median
for companies of this size). The
Current Ratio, also greater
than the median, is substantial-
ly less than the “good” rating of
2.0:

Taken together, these ratios
mean our Typical Company
doesn’t have sufficient liquid
assets to pay its current debts
and must rely on current sales
to generate the cash to do so.
Any interruption in sales (re-
modeling the shopping mall
where its arcade is located, for
example) could put a severe
strain on the company.

Persistent cash shortages
seem to be a characteristic of
the amusement business
(something I feel many of you
already know). The median val-
ues for the Quick and Current
Ratio for all breakdowns of SIC
7993 in Industry Norms are less
than 1.0 and 2.0, respectively,
and working capital is negative
for all but the largest Typical
Company (assets of $1 million
to $5 million).

This data suggests that those
of you doing a self-diagnosis
must compare your company to
the recommended values for
the Quick and Current Ratios,

Worth compares how much you
have at risk in your business to
how much your short-term
creditors have at risk. Suppli-
ers may become concerned
about extending credit when
this ratio is greater than 66.6
percent. For Typical Company,
this presents another problem.
With a ratio of 85.6 percent, ad-
ditional trade credit may be
hard to come by.

Total Liabilities to Net Worth
measures how much all your
creditors (short- and long-
term) have at stake in your
business versus how much you
have. Banks like you to have at
least as much money at risk as
they do (a ratio of 100 percent).

Typical Company has pushed
this ratio past what lenders like
to see and may have trouble
getting financing for, say, the
latest games. I know I’ve taken
the last two ratios out of order
but they are so closely related it
seemed appropriate.

The same is true of Fixed As-
sets to Net Worth. There’s no
set rule on what the value of
this ratio should be, but in gen-
eral, a smaller percentage is
better than a large one. A high
ratio shows a large investment
in fixed assets and low working
capital, or the funding of work-

FEBRUARY 1995

so" Ve

cS 8-9 3, ors
R

~ is

as 2

ells

pad

cows

> ,

Low

a cr

\«
fo |

+t -% 7;

sada

fast

e*4A=
o.

es + be. :

. 5 digs

ACME '95 is the only industry event, positioned for you to super-charge your
business in time for the busy spring and summer season. It's the most powerful display

say’

of coin-op products under one roof! Video games, pinball, table games, dart games,
jukeboxes, skill and redemption games, kiddie rides, plush and novelties —
plus cabinets, coin- mechanisms, monitors, parts & supplies and services —
all featured in more than 1000 booths!

rs 7.
ee

-4y0

1 Pith ys

Arte e

te? eg SSPE
. -

The leading suppliers of coin-operated equipment send their top executives
and technical support staff to meet you and show you their newest products.
They are ready to discuss promotional ideas and business strategies that
will pack in the players and pump up the profits in your location.

Salo ues
ES ee ae 2
arm.
POD Soda tA
Sot Tol .
«
ath

NYC
b)
C4 F, SP

“oT au
tra od
aaey 4

= ~
A 7

->s
Pay?

. .
a
an

Knowledge gives you the power to succeed — and ACME '95 will be packed
with powerful sessions for location owners and operators. Technical topics,
issues and answers, new technologies and location tours will give you the
coin-op know how you need to send your business soaring.

They're all here. Manufacturers and distributors. Technicians. Location owners and
street operators. The major players with the biggest buying power know ACME is their
one stop shopping source for the season's hottest hits and newest picks.

Plan NOW to attend ACME "95 in Reno if you own or operate a
family fun/entertainment center, arcade, amusement/theme park, waterpark, restaurant,
bar or nightclub, skating rink, bowling center miniature golf center, hotel or resort,
movie theatre or convenience store. Join thousands of distributors and operators
worldwide in their quest for the power of coin-op!

ts “oN

4 A r. :
> Fin ree ,
‘ A ee ca

a >
Tyo

[A AE

William T. Glasgow, Inc., 16066 South Park Avenue, South Holland, IL 60473-1500 USA
Phone: 708 - 333 - 9292 ¢ Fax: 708 - 333 - 4086

Sponsored By; AAMA - American Amusement Machine Association

‘2 o
ev @s

“~

4 eer\8.
. ay
re
'

‘

Cart
2&4 ‘
aoe eet

“g-- 5
A Pte
fine we

A pict ole Yo
we . <. 4*-

ob 2S Se et)

a ee

MANAGEMENT

Key Business Ratios and What They Mean

a
pimpin en + A/C Receivable Measures Tea to A ratio ROT 1.0 is 4 good

ee ree |
ra ne Current Liabilities sure of (1). ered good. |
Current alike Current Liabilities Measures the security The smaller the ratio, the |
to Net Worth Net Worth of creditors, more the bank likes you. |
(4) Measures the extent Used with ratio i to gage |
Current Liabilities short term debt relies metry era |
to at Inventory on inventory for pmt, |
Measures creditors Over 100% creditors have |

Total sa iistad to Total Liabilities stake in the business. | more at stake than the own-
:

Measures overtrading
Fixed B.8 to Net Fixed Assets or heavy debt finan- A ratio of 0.75 normally
Worth Net Worth cing of working cap- indicates over investment,

ital.
een

eee eee eee
1/3 over normal term (40
sii A/C Receivable Measures Receivables days for 30 days net) indi-
Period Sales x 365 turnover, cates slow turnover,

(8) Low numbers indicate exces-
Sales to Annual Net Sales Measures Inventory sively high inventory; high
Inventory Inventory turnover, numbers may mean insuf-

ficient stock.
Measures the invest- Low (above upper quartile)
Assets to Total Assets ment used to generate may mean overtrading; high
Sales Net Sales sales, (below lower quartile) may
mean poor sales management.
Best indication of appro-
priate level is industry
comparison,

Measures the ability
to sustain sales based
on available assets,

(10)
Sales to
Net Working

Sales
Net Working Capital
(NWC= Current assets mi-

Capital nus current liabilities)
A/C Payable to Sales Annual Net Sales nancing of operations. vendors ed credit,
Profitability OS HA AT

(12) Measures the efficien- | Should be within industry
Return on Net Profit After Tax cy of operations. norms and satisfactory to

Sales Annual Net Sales owners,

(13) Net Profit After Tax Measures Profitabili- Well run businesses have a

(14) Net Profit After Tax iaeentes the return on | At least 10% is ranted to
Return on Net Worth Net Worth invested capital, provide dividends and fund
| future growth,

PLAY METER 72 FEBRUARY 1995

MANAGEMENT

ing capital through debt.

A high ratio also indicates a
large deduction from income
for depreciation. A good rule of
thumb is to consider a ratio of
over 0.75 as showing overin-
vestment and time to rethink
the amount of fixed assets
youre using to operate your
business. Typical Company’s
ratio is almost twice what it
should be, showing it has the
problems noted above.

Current Liabilities to Inven-
tory tells you how much stock
you ll have to liquidate to pay
current debt if you get in ajam.
When this ratio is used with In-
ventory Turnover (Net Sales to
Inventory) you get an idea of
how well you're managing your
inventory.

These two measures have lit-
tle meaning for Typical Compa-
ny, which operates in an indus-
try where inventories are small
relative to sales, and capital in-
vestment quite large.

Liquidity problems appear to
be chronic in the amusement
business. Industry Norms for all
asset breakdowns show only
the upper quartile in any asset
classification meeting the sol-
vency tests set out above. Per-
haps I needn't say this, but I
will. Solvency isn’t just an issue
for creditors; it should be a
main concern of company man-
agement as well.

Simply put, if a company
can't pay its bills, it can’t stay in
business very long.

Combine the solvency prob-
lems of Typical Company with
its negative working capital
and you have arecipe for bank-
ruptcy. Monitor your own sol-
vency and working capital very
carefully. At the first sign of
trouble, take whatever correc-
tive action necessary or run, do
not walk, to your friendly
neighborhood business advisor
for help.

PLAY METER

Efficiency ratios
These five measurements
tell you how well you're manag-
ing certain aspects of your busi-
ness. As a general rule, your
Collection Period should be no

If yours is a pay-one-price
family entertainment center
that doesn’t already accept
credit cards, consider doing so.
Not only is it a convenience for
your customers, it may allow

my Wefololomae|(-me)mualelaa| om meemee)al)(e(-) ar
ec ha(eme)me)!(=) mem som-lom ale) alate
ol (ala lan csyapalslaieclaremealaaismaemasiaalial.<

id al=m-lanlelel aime) mad. (sem hki=) am 20) 0 mae
UK Tale keke) el=]e-15-m'Z0) 0] ame) 0) | alse

more than one third greater
than your credit terms (i.e., 40
days when you Sell 30 days net).
Anything more indicates slow
receivables turnover.

This guideline has to be tem-
pered by the industry norm,
which tells you what your com-
petition is doing.

Collection Period is another
measure which has little mean-
ing for most arcades and
amusement centers. Both are
cash operations—bright, shiny
quarters spinning the sprock-
ets of those little play meters.
However, larger amusement
centers with pay-one-price ad-
mission may accept credit
cards as a way to increase busi-
ness. If you do, accept only
those that give merchants cash
when sales receipts are pre-
sented (i.e., VISA).

you to profit from the newest in
plastic money: debit cards.

Debit cards are, in effect,
plastic checks. Using the card
takes funds directly from your
customer's checking account,
rather then generating a credit
balance they pay later.

The debit card verification
process usually confirms the
customer’s balance to see if it is
sufficient to cover the amount
of purchase.

A word of caution. Be careful
of the fee charged by your bank
on debit card transactions.
While two or three percent
might be reasonable as a credit
card fee (because of the non-
payment risk the bank as-
sumes), that’s too high for a
debit card where the bank’s
risks are minimum. Shop
around to get the best debit

Other SICs that may
apply to your company

SIC 5099—Coin-op game machines

SIC 5962—Coin-op machines selling merchandise
SIC 7359—Coin-op machine rental and leasing

SIC 7999—Amusement and recreation not elsewhere

classified

FEBRUARY 1995

MANAGEMENT

card transaction fee.

The correct value for Inven-
tory Turnover varies by type of
business. In general you should
be guided by the information in
Industry Norms and try to
maintain a turnover between
the upper and lower quartile.
Amusement centers with food
concessions may want to con-
centrate on inventory manage-
ment in that segment of the
business.

Assets to Sales measures the
investment made to generate

your sales. Industry Norms
should guide you and your goal
should be to stay between the
upper and lower quartiles.

Too low a ratio (above the up-
per quartile) means youre
overtrading on your assets; too
high a ratio (below the lower
quartile) means your sales
don’t justify the investment
you ve made.

A high ratio may mean you
need amore a aggressive mar-
keting plan or some of the com-
pany’s assets can be converted
to other uses. Typical Compa-
ny’s ratio is right in the ball
park.

Sales to Net Working Capital
gauges overtrading when the
ratios too high compared to
similar companies, or manage-
ment decisions that are too
conservative (the company’s
too liquid) when the ratio’s too
low. Typical Company's ratio
can't be calculated because
they have negative working
capital.

Either cash flow from the op-
eration is not enough to sustain
the business or the owners
have taken out too much cash.
To correct the situation, the
Typical Company’s owners
should inject more cash (either
through owners’ equity or a
loan) to insure the company’s
long-term survival.

Accounts Payable to Sales

PLAY METER

measures how much you rely
on vendor credit. Vendors view
the ratio as a measure of your
ability to pay them. You should
view it as a measure of how ef-
fectively you use short-term,
usually non-interest loans to
operate your business.

Now what?

The answer depends on what
you've found as aresult of your
analysis. If things are going
well, it might be time for that
Hawaiian vacation you've al-
ways wanted. If not, you should
have some idea of the problems

“Any company with negative

VVZo) ddl ale mors] e)ie] mjalelel emit] «m1 a) emue
oko) a asleimaat-imciaer-la(e)a me

While all debt should be used
wisely, the prudent use of ven-
dor credit shouldn't be over-
looked as a way to increase
profits without additional in-
vestment. After consulting with
their business advisor, Typical
Company’s management may
want to increase the amount of
vendor credit they use, if possi-
ble.

Profitability ratios

These ratios evaluate
whether or not the investment
in your business is justified by
the returns. When viewed to-
gether with your gross and net
profit margins, you can deter-
mine if your costs of doing busi-
ness are in line with the indus-
try’s.

If your Return on Sales (net
profit margin) is not what it
should be based on the Industry
Norms data, cost control may
be what you need. If Fixed As-
sets to Net Worth is too high,
perhaps your profitability is be-
ing affected by high deprecia-
tion charges. If that’s not the
problem, look at your other ex-
penses to see how they can be
controlled to increase your
profitability.

you face. If, like the Typical
Company in this article, you
have acute solvency problems
and/or negative working capi-
tal, Istrongly suggest you con-
tact a professional business ad-
visor immediately.

In Part 2I mentioned that the
trends in the ratios are impor-
tant. Before you leave for
Hawaii, remember to look at
the trends in all the ratios over
the past few years. Typical
Company's 1993 Return on
Sales may be a Satisfactory 6.5
percent. But if it was 10 percent
in ‘92 and 14 percent in ‘91, a
problem's brewing.

The three-step control
process we talked about (mea-
sure your performance, com-
pare it to a standard, and take
corrective action) identifies
problems which should be ad-
dressed immediately. Watching
the trends in areas where you
have no problems prevents
trouble from starting. To man-
age your business properly, you
must do both.A

Channing Hayden is a New
Orleans businessman, writer,
and management instructor at
Tulane University.

FEBRUARY 1995

Pee la tess ee
Sa Fe iris i siee MAKE POKER HAND RY | 2 CaRnc: «se
>? 806 0 let ld Cas UW CUYllCtéi«iOR

STRAIGHT -°°«-°: : ¢ i
3 CAR Ss ne ee ; : . F 7 OWER Lis Sy a . .
2 PAIRS: = ++: - si ) | LAST CARD ‘ RB eee

NDaONOOOCO

/PAID|/ BET.
| @ 16

* 3 TYPES OF DOUBLE UP GAMES TO CHOC
re | ibility to have some changes

There is a possi

PLAY METER

Irving Blackman

TAX TIPS

Relying on estate myths
can only enrich the IRS

his article continues the most
common and expensive (in
terms of tax dollars) estate
planning myths, misconcep-
tions, and mistakes. (Refer to
“Tax Tips,” November 1994, pg.
146.)

4. Myth: You will lose control
of your business if you transfer
more than 50 percent of your
corporation to your children.

This myth probably costs
family businesses up to half the
value of their wealth. Who gets
the other half? The IRS. Can
this huge tax be avoided? YES.
It’s atwo-step process. First, re-
capitalize your corporation so
you have voting stock (say, 1,000
shares) and nonvoting stock
(say 99,000 shares). This is a tax-
free maneuver. It works for
both a C corporation and an S
corporation.

Second, start transferring
the nonvoting stock to your
kids via stock bonuses and oth-
er means. You save three ways:
income tax, gift tax and estate
tax. Plus, the future growth of
the business is removed from
your estate. Who has control?
You do. You can give away all
the nonvoting stock (almost the
entire tax value of your busi-
ness), yet the 1,000 shares of
voting stock, which you retain,
gives you absolute control for
as long as you live.

5. Mistake: Not considering
the generation skipping tax
(GST).

The GST prevents wealthy
families from transferring their
wealth from generation to gen-
eration, yet avoiding tax on
each successive transfer, by
putting the wealth (assets) ina
trust. The GST is a 55 percent
flat tax imposed in addition to
the regular estate tax, which

also reaches 55 percent over
$2.5 million.

The purpose of the GST is to
guarantee that grandchildren
receive their inheritance only
after the assets have been
taxed twice; once, as if the as-
sets had gone from the grand-
parent to the parent; and a sec-
ond time as if the assets had
gone from the parent to the
child. Ouch!

But take heart. There is a $1
million exemption. Only the ex-
cess is subject to the GST.

Example: When a grandpar-
ent (Joe) leaves $1 million to his
children (assume Joe and his
children are in a 55 percent es-
tate tax bracket), Joe’s grand-
children receive just $450,000
because of the estate tax im-
posed on the children’s estates.

But if the money is left in
trust for the life of Joe’s chil-
dren, then to the grandchil-
dren, no taxes (estate of GST)
are owed at the children’s
death because of the $1 million
GST exemption. A great tax
deal. Joe’s family saves $550,000
in estate tax. Wait, there’s
more. Joe’s wife can pull off the
same trick and double the fam-
ily’s tax-saving pleasure to $1.1
million.

6. Misconception: Life insur-
ance on your life will pass to
your heirs free of the estate tax.

Here’s the law. Owning in-
surance policies on your life
and designating the beneficia-
ries means the proceeds will be
taxed in your estate. Even if you
leave the proceeds to your
spouse or if your spouse owns
the policies, the proceeds will
be taxed in the second estate.

Can the tax be avoided? Ab-
solutely. Just set up an irrevo-
cable life insurance trust (ILIT)

FEBRUARY 1995

ay | ! WY ad ad f
6); o) Nm me
EXCITING WINNER FOR '94 ELECTRO - MECHANICAL 9 REEL SLOT
SELECTABLE FROM 3 TYPES FOR A MINIMUM SPACE

ALL FRUITS gives

AEM Bm AB On naviing
games payline

gives 5 FEVER games
MLAS pays amount bet per bell

CREDIT

WIN METER

NOTE : There is a possibility to have some changes made in actual production without notice.

Manufacturer C$) CAGLEHCON ANNAN RED Development / ~WINGcco.tro.

ss To loyhon : 81-3-3331-7611 Facsimile : 81-3-3331-7600 Telephon : 81-3-3331-7311 Facsimile : 81-3-3331-7800

TAX TIPS

leaving the insurance proceeds
to the trust. Then, your spouse
gets the income for life. At
his/her death, the balance in
the trust goes tax-free to your
children or grandchildren.

Simply put, an ILIT can save
your family up to $55,000 for
every $100,000 in life insurance.
An ILIT is one of the best tax-
saving tricks available in the
entire tax law. Use it.

7. Myth: There is an advan-
tage to holding assets jointly
with someone else.

Joint tenancy is often called
the poor man’s will. Many hus-
bands and wives hold assets
jointly. For tax purposes, those
assets will pass estate tax free
to the survivor under the un-
limited marital deduction.

However, holding everything
jointly will have the same effect
as leaving everything to the

other spouse. The opportunity
for the first spouse who dies to
leave $600,000 of assets to chil-
dren tax free will be lost. An ex-
pensive, but common result of
the joint tenancy myth.

One more thing: when you
die, the basis of property you
own is raised to its value at the
date of death for income tax
purposes. For example, say Joe
and Mary own in joint tenancy
all the stock of their family
business (Success Co.), which is
worth $1 million but only has an
income tax basis of $100,000.
Joe dies. Mary now owns 100
percent of Success Co. What’s
her tax basis? Only $550,000—
$500,000 for the half she inherit-
ed from Joe and $50,000 for the
half Mary owned as a joint ten-
ant.

If Joe had owned the stock
and left it all to Mary, her new

“1-800-395-8880

PLAY METER

tax basis would have been $1
million. As a joint tenant, if
Mary sells the stock for $1 mil-
lion, she must pay tax on
$450,000 profit instead of zero.
Some difference!

8. Mistake: If you are in a
high income and estate tax
bracket, leave large sums ina
qualified pension plan or IRA.

Did you know that funds ina
qualified plan or IRA will be
taxed at least twice after you
die—once for income taxes,
and a second time for estate
taxes? A third tax—a 15 per-
cent excise tax—for large accu-
mulations is also possible. Typi-
cally, the tax burden for a
high-bracket taxpayer is at
least 70 percent and can go (de-
pending on your state taxes)
over 90 percent. Your family
will be shocked. Simply put, $1
million in a qualified plan will

balion

LOCK & HARDWARE

BATON CAN FUT
TOGETHER THE
PIECES OF YOUR
DEFENSE AGAINST
THIEVES, VANDALS
& OTHER CREEPS

14275 COMMERCE DRIVE
GARDLN GROVE CA 92643
ek 714-265-3636
FAX: 714-265-3630

Reliable Locks *% Reasonable Prices

FEBRUARY 1995

= SNK

OFFERS

SEVENTY-FIVE

DOLLARS

For any NEO*GEO.
Cartridge

* OFFER AVAILABLE ONLY THROUGH AUTHORIZED SNK DISTRIBUTORS °
CONTACT YOUR PARTICIPATING SNK DISTRIBUTOR FOR DETAILS

SNK CORPORATION OF AMERICA

@)
— 20603 EARL STREET
owe TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90503
= TEL (310) 371-7100 FAX (310) 371-0969

TAX TIPS

turn into only $300,000 or less
for your heirs.

What to do? Taking an annu-
ity from the plan to fund a life
insurance policy (on your life or
a second-to-die policy with
your spouse) owned by an irrev-
ocable trust will beat all of your
tax liability. This technique can
even create wealth, often up to
two or three times the amount
in the plan. Consult your tax
advisor.

9. Misconception: Since the
gift tax rates and the estate tax
rates are the same, I may as
well keep my property and let
my kids inherit it.

True, the gift tax and estate
tax are combined and use the
same table. But because of a
quirk in the law, gift taxes are a
bargain. For example, suppose
you are in a50 percent gift tax
bracket (you have made many
large gifts during your lifetime)

and will be in a 50 percent es-
tate tax bracket. A gift of say
$100,000 to each of your two
children will cost you only
$100,000 ($200,000 x 50 percent)
in gift taxes.

But if you leave the same
amount net of taxes after you
die to your two kids, the estate
tax will be $200,000—twice as
much. Why? Well, if you want to
leave $200,000 ($100,000 each)
to your kids, you need $400,000
in your estate, which will be
taxed at 50 percent. Result: a
$200,000 tax. Like I said, the gift
tax is a bargain.

10. Big myth, mistake, and
misconception: The estate tax
laws rarely change, so I don’t
have to review my estate plan.

Wrong! Even if the federal
law didn't change (but the real-
ity is that Congress and the IRS
are always making some
change to the estate tax law),

review is a must every year or
SO.

Here are some of the com-
mon reasons: inflation, real
growth, or both have increased
the value of your assets and
skyrocketed your estate tax lia-
bility; family circumstances—
marriage, divorce (you or your
kids), new grandchildren,
etc.—change; new tax tech-
niques are discovered; and
changes occur in state law.

Should the truth be known,
this series of articles could go
on and on and never cover all
you need to know to beat the
estate tax. To arm yourself with
more information on common
estate planning errors, send for
these special reports: “Pay Zero
Estate Tax the Super Trust
Way,’ “How to Triple Your Pen-
sion, Profit Sharing, or IRA Val-
ue,” or “How You Can Beat the
Estate Tax—Legally.” A

A sure way to cut your costs

If I had my choice, this col-
umn would systematically at-
tack every expense item on
your profit and loss statement.
Of course, taxes first. Then
whatever expense item would
help improve your bottom line.
So, today, let’s attack the cost of
long-distance telephone ser-
vice.

My motivation for writing
this article came from reading
a terrific story in the Septem-
ber 23, 1994 issue of USA Today
which said, “Long distance
overload? Multimillion-dollar
marketing blitzes by MCI,
AT&T, and Sprint could be con-
fusing more customers than
they're helping.”

Let’s start by asking a ques-
tion: Would you pay $2 per gal-
lon for gasoline when you could
buy gasoline of the same or su-
perior quality across the street

PLAY METER

for $1.20? Of course not. You
wouldn’t overpay by 40 per-
cent—knowingly. But do you
know that if you're an average
long-distance customer of the
big three (AT&T, MCI, or
Sprint), you unknowingly pay
40 percent more for your long-
distance calls every month?

Long-distance telephone
service is, annually, a $59.37 bil-
lion industry. AT&T once re-
ceived almost 100 percent of
this huge amount of money. But
since 1984, AT&T has lost 36.22
percent of its market share—a
cool $21.5 billion. Why do close-
ly held businesses switch from
AT&T (and other high-cost car-
riers), and why is AT&T contin-
uing to lose business to the
competition?

Burn the answer in your
mind: the high cost per minute.
Per minute cost is the smart

way to buy long-distance tele-
phone service.

When you buy gasoline, no
one would dare try to fool you
by offering you a discount off of
an imaginary price. Why? Be-
cause the price of a gallon of
gasoline is boldly posted on 30-
foot high signs declaring “1.19
per gallon.” There is no way to
be fooled by gimmicks because
you are an informed customer.

But what about long-distance
telephone? The big three never
tell you the actual cost per
minute for a call. They tell you
how to get some large percent-
age off, but they never tell you
off what. Think back for a mo-
ment. What do the AT&T, MCI,
and Sprint ads say? They ad-
vertise savings, but never give
you the simple common de-
nominator that would instantly
make you an informed cus-

FEBRUARY 1995

PLAY |VPETER

Have your own copy of Play Meter Magazine
delivered to your home or office. Call (504) 488-
7003 or FAX (504) 488-7083 to start your subscrip-
tion today.

PLAY METER MAGAZINE ¢ P.O. BOX 24970 « NEW ORLEANS, LA 70184-9988

: (Se, FS. BOA wii CAt4) HF Se SS eC Wl He
Ml CE GA CG MOE. AG
: } Yes! | want to receive every issue of Play Meter. Please enter my ’
. subscription as shown below: (
3 |
1 (©) Mr.0 Ms. Name ie
S| Street He
} |
w City State Z
“Zip Telephone Uy
\e if
f Ay t
ff Cc } signature Date vi
( SSE Xx | Title ig
AZ: a <S } Company ie
< ( =) he,
Cys ; © Payment Enclosed () Billme Wer
| c: le | Charge my: 1 Visa [1] MasterCard {3%
Yi, BSSSM y- WA fs
4 re <p! Card No. Card Exp. Date ee
gf hs “4 =: CA Y,
rh ( “4 CGC USA *Canada *Foreign (Ora
rc MO Coe) New O) 1 yr. $60.00 $60.00 $150.00 Vue
wg ‘. we 1) Renewal OD 2yr. 110.00 110.00 CG.
rare XG 03 yrs. 150.00 *Payable in U.S. currency only SG
c~ 1 vs so
r S} Check One: he
fay
=~} ©) Manufacturer () Route Operator “) Support & Supply ig
EINE, VBS.
<9] © Distributor "] Arcade Operator (1) Technician ey &
1 te
<Ss Other VG il
S Fe.
AG
\! Please Specify: Of he
5

TAX TIPS

tomer, the actual cost per
minute.

Well, you are about to be-
come informed. What do you
think you pay per minute now
for an interstate call if you use
AT&T, MCI, or Sprint?...26 to 28
cents. Just check your tele-
phone bill.

The fact is that the same or
superior quality service with
. proven pris-

ond wife Mary, age 52. Joe had
three kids from his first mar-
riage. The size of his estate
clearly put him in the 55 per-
cent estate tax bracket. Joe had
two main goals: he wanted to
leave his business (worth $3.1
million) to his heirs and
$800,000 in an IRA (a rollover
from his business profit sharing
plan), which fell into the tax

and when your spouse dies, the
property goes to your kids. A
terrific tax planning tool for
second-marriage __ situations.

Joe had set up a Q-Tip trust.
Now the trap. Joe made the
Q-Tip trust the beneficiary of
his IRA. When a beneficiary (in
this case, Mary) becomes eligi-
ble to receive distributions
from a qualified plan or IRA
(usually at 59-

tine voice 1/2), the annual
eer : ; diseributs
available tor fiLtn URL IE NCCC RCI CMEM from the plan is
— oS ol UK) eo) aa(=) me) maal-me)(emanla-\-mm celemelal dale) i oe a
minute. One MUA CUNT TCCT ACRE MCEM value of the
program distance calls every month.” plan at that
charges you time and upon
only 13.9 the life ex-
cents per pectancy of the

minute. If you want to find out if
your company qualifies for one
of these cost-saving programs,
call 1-800-260-9642.

I was so fascinated by this
subject that, with the help of
some experts in the telecom-
munications industry, I have
written a special detailed re-
port. Want to learn how in-
formed business owners are
Slashing their phone bills?
Read my report “The Easy Way
to Cut Your Long-Distance
Bills,” which is free to readers
of this column.

From estate tax trap
to tax victory

You hear it all the time: “The
tax law is too complicated.”
Well, it is. My job is usually to
explain the complex tax law in
understandable language and
beat up the IRS legally.

Recently a reader of this col-
umn asked me to give him (let’s
call him Joe) a second opinion
on his estate plan. Unwittingly
Joe, aS well as his professional
advisors, had fallen into an ex-
pensive tax trap.

First, here’s the story: Joe,
age 66, was married to his sec-

PLAY METER

trap (much more about this lat-
er).

Joe had accumulated about
$3 million in additional assets,
mostly liquid-type investments
including a $500,000 home. The
intent was to use this $3 million
to pay the estate tax. Joe has no
insurance but is insurable; so is
Mary.

Next, here’s the law that ap-
plies to Joe’s estate plan. Fed-
eral estate tax laws allow an
unlimited marital deduction
for assets left to your spouse.
Generally, in order for proper-
ty left to your spouse in trust to
qualify for the marital deduc-
tion, your spouse must be
granted unlimited access
(means that your spouse gets
not only the income, but the
principal as well, if needed to
maintain the spouse's lifestyle)
to the trust property during his
or her lifetime.

But there is a wonderful ex-
ception called a “Q-Tip trust,”
which allows you to do this de-
lightful tax trick. You leave
property in the Q-Tip trust,
which requires your spouse to
get all the trust income for life,

beneficiary. The annual distrib-
ution could be less than the an-
nual income generated by the
assets in the IRA.

Consider this example: if the
$800,000 in Joe’s IRA is invested
at six percent, it will earn
$48,000 each year. If Mary elect-
ed payment from the IRA over
20 years, the annual payout to
the trust would be only $40,000.
What’s the result? Disaster.
Since all of the income from the
IRA is not being paid to Mary,
the IRA is disqualified as an ap-
propriate asset for a Q-Tip
trust. The result does not
change even if the annual pay-
out from the IRA happens to be
greater than the annual income
of the trust.

Now here's the disaster. Joe
would have blown the marital
deduction. The estate tax
would be $440,000 (55 percent
times $800,000). Withdrawal of
funds from the IRA to pay this
unexpected estate tax liability
will be subject to income tax.

You re right. Very complicat-
ed stuff. But the fact is that we
have learned how to beat the
estate tax. Best of all...it’s easy

FEBRUARY 1995

-? , e n))
3 ¥ » ieee
Fe ' a
ie a
ee
4 2 ue
ae = Lin .
"y ~ 4 <
tf : ae :
Pe . es} oe aie
—
poe)
mes ;

Sea oe
eave

Everyone knows the story of the
| Doctor that created a monster...
NSTEI N; De? the monster forced the Doctor to
Sn create a suitable mate ... for the
yy ® first time, the rest of the story can
be told: It seems the Monster
grew weary of his mate and made
the Doctor return to his laboratory
to create something that would

keep him entertained...
Sega Pinball is proud to present

his latest creation...

MARY SHELLEY’S
FRANKENSTEIN
THE PINBALL!

“Ag
ri.
~,

HDHQ Display-
You won't believe your
. With gee x 64

you wien his lifelike : move-
ments! But don’t worry, he
won't hurt you! He likes
his new Pinball Machine!

fice <a ss naa. : ,

(Our HDHQ is over yan ’ | Turbo
75% endian a . . Bumpers-
our competitors). A staple of a pin-

ball playfield, with
four Turbo
Bumpers the action
never stops! Our
new software
ensures our pops
will have lighting
response and
power long after
the first coin drop!

Player
selectable
MUSIC-
Choose either
the movie sound
track or Edgar
Winter’s Rock n’
Roll classic,
Frankenstein!

S FRANKENSTEIN...
SELL BURY THE COMPETITION.

Sega Pinball, Inc.

1990 Janice Avenue
Melrose Park, IL 60160 i |
Phone: 708-345-7700 ©1994 Tri Star Pictures
Fax: 708-345-7718 All rights reserved

TAX TIPS

to do. What did we do in this
case? We created two irrevoca-
ble life insurance trusts (we call
them “super trusts”). One was
funded with a policy on Joe's
life; the other with a second-to-
die policy (on Joe and Mary).
We used Joe's liquid assets and
the funds in the IRA to pay for
the premiums.

This second-opinion estate
tax plan eliminated the Q-Tip
tax trap. Better yet, it eliminat-
ed the entire estate tax liability
by transferring this liability to
the insurance carrier.

Want to learn more on this
subject? Send for these reports:
“Pay Zero Estate Tax the Super
Trust Way,” “How to Triple Your
Pension, Profit Sharing or IRA
Value,” and “The Secret of How
the Rich Create Wealth and In-
come Without Risk.”

To capitalize or not,
that is the question

Readers of this column often
call with questions concerning
repair vs. capitalization prob-
lems. Well, let me start by say-
ing that if Hamlet had owned a
business, he might well have
pondered, “To capitalize or ex-
pense, that is the question.” A
classic court decision (L&L Ma-
rine, TCM 1987-428) on the sub-
ject implies that the answer
might be found in another
Shakespearean paraphrase, a
repair by any other name is ex-
pensed the same.

As any business owner
knows, massive discord with
the IRS frequently focuses on
issues of capital improvement
vs. repairs. Repairs are de-
ductible currently, but capital
improvements must be depre-
ciated over a period of years.

The pivotal point is whether
the expenditure is made to im-
prove, alter, or renovate the
property or equipment, or
merely repair it. And this Tax
Court decision says. that

PLAY METER

nomenclature is secondary to
the real facts when making the
determinations.

Here’s the story. L&L Marine
spent money for work needed
to continue to qualify six of
their barges for sea duty. They
classified the expenditures as
repairs on their books and took
a deduction for the expense on
their tax return. But their CPA
thought the work was a capital
expenditure and refused to is-
sue audited financial state-
ments unless the expenditure
was Capitalized.

The IRS was delighted. In its
audits of the marine company’s
tax return, the IRS adopted the
CPA’s treatment of the expen-
diture and disallowed the de-
duction for repairs.

But justice prevailed, and
L&L was able to salvage their
deduction for repairing the

SPECIAL NOTICE!

Purchase your used Equipment
from:

New ORLEANS
NoverryCo.

e In business for 60 Years
- @International reputation for

flippers & amusement games
available anywhere.

each and every game
- beautifully refinished like new.

@Get on our mailing list for our
latest price bulletins or call
Celie for latest prices.

3030 No. Arnoult Road
Metairie, LA 70002

(504) 888-3500
FAX: (504) 888-3506

barges. L&L was persuasive in
their argument that answered
the real question in such cases:
Did the repairs significantly in-
crease the useful lives of the
value of the barges? The IRS
merely relied on the CPA’s clas-
sification, presenting no other
argument for capitalization.

Unconvincing, said the Tax
Court. A repair is still a repair,
no matter how the CPA classi-
fied it on the financial state-
ments. The IRS was required to
produce convincing evidence
that the expenses were capital
in nature, and they failed to do
SO.

Here's a little more help. In
addition to the question asked
in the L&L case, ask this ques-
tion: Can the property be used
for the purpose for which it was
originally intended unless the
repair is made? If the answer is
“no,” then the cost of the repair
is deductible.

For example: a_ building
needs a roof; a boat, ship, car,
truck or tractor needs a motor;
machinery may have to be vent-
ed to meet the requirements of
a new local ordinance. The list
is endless.

So the cost of the new roof
(the old one leaks) or anew mo-
tor (the old one blew out) or
venting (no vent, can’t use the
machinery) in the examples
given are all currently de-
ductible as a repair. The next
time your CPA wants to capital-
ize such items, show him this
article.

Saving taxes means knowing
the law and how to use the law.

For more tax-saving tricks,
send for the companion special
reports: “How to Take Money
Out of Your Closely Held Cor-
poration” and “Your Business,
America’s Best Tax Shelter.” A

FEBRUARY 1995

TAX TIPS

Create tax-free wealth
without spending a dime

My favorite day is when a
reader of this column calls for a
second tax opinion. This caller
(as usual, we'll call him Joe) had
put his estate plan to bed. All
documents, wills, and trusts for
Joe and his wife Mary had been
completed and executed. Joe
used an experienced and
knowledgeable estate planning
lawyer. Yet, Joe was still an un-
happy camper with the project-
ed $2 million in estate taxes.

I asked Joe a series of point-
ed questions. Based on his an-
swers, it sounded like Joe’s fam-
ily would indeed share $2
million of his estate with the
IRS. But I agreed to take a sec-
ond look. At my request, Joe
sent a stack of information such
as tax returns, financial state-
ments, and, of course, the new
documents.

Now pay attention all you
successful business owners.
Joe’s corporation (Success Co.,
which is an S corporation) had
accumulated $1.2 million in
cash over a 30-year period
when the business had operat-
ed as a C (taxpaying) corpora-
tion. The only way for Joe to get
all or a portion of this money
was via a dividend with a tax
cost over 40 percent. Unaccept-
able. About $.7 million was not
needed in the operation of the
business.

Bingo! I called Joe and a
young insurance broker to get
more information. In a nutshell,
this is the plan that we hatched.
Success Co. would make a split-
dollar arrangement (a way to
pay for life insurance) for a $3
million second-to-die life insur-
ance policy on the lives of Joe
and his wife Mary to be owned

PLAY METER

by an irrevocable life insurance
trust CLIT).

As part of the transaction,
Joe transferred sufficient stock
to Mary, so each owned
(through a revocable trust) a 50
percent interest in Success Co.
Upon the first death, the stock
owned by the decedent will pass
to a trust for the benefit of the
survivor so that the survivor will
control the corporation.

Until the second death of Joe
or Mary, Success Co. will pay all
of the annual policy premiums
to the extent of the increase in
the cash surrender value. The
ILIT pays the small balance of
the premium with funds provid-
ed by Joe and Mary. The total
annual premium cost is only
about $42,000.

Now, let’s skip the technical
jargon and take a look at the
amazing tax results:

1. The premium payments by
Success Co. are tax-free to Joe
and Mary.

2. After the second death
when the $3 million in insur-
ance proceeds are collected,
Success Co. will be repaid every
dollar it advanced during the
years (also tax free).

3. The balance of the pro-
ceeds, probably $2.5 million or
more, will be paid to the ILIT
free of income and estate tax.
This amount will more than pay
for the $1.2 million in projected
estate tax liability. The balance,
over $1 million, would go tax-
free to Joe and Mary’s children
and grandchildren.

Flexibility: The split-dollar
arrangement works just as well
for a C corporation. Your corpo-
ration, C or S, does not need a
pool of money; premiums can

be paid out of future earnings.
The insurance does not have to
be second-to-die; it can be ona
single life only (usually the
stockholder owner). In the
hands of an expert, the con-
cepts presented in this article
can be used to help successful
business owners legally beat
the estate tax and even create
wealth.

Caution: This article does not
give you all of the variations,
rules, and tax traps. You must
dot all the i's and cross all the
t’s. Only use experienced pro-
fessional lawyers, insurance
people, and CPAs who have
been there before. To get start-
ed read Rev. Rul. 64-328 and IRS
Letter Ruling 9348009.

To learn more, send for these
reports: “Pay Zero Estate Tax
the Super Trust Way,” “The Se-
cret of How the Rich Create
Wealth and Income Without
Risk,” and “How to Beat the Es-
tate Tax Legally.”

Increasing deductions
now and in the future

With estate taxes at a sky-
high top rate of 55 percent, es-
tate planning has become a fa-
vorite taxpayer sport.

But it is an expensive sport.
Professional fees for competent
experts are high. Can the estate
planning process yield any cur-
rent income tax deductions? If
you do things right, the answer
is yes.

As a general rule, fees for es-
tate planning are not de-
ductible. But fees for the tax as-
pects of estate planning are
deductible as a miscellaneous
expense. So, have your profes-
sionals, lawyer and accountant,

FEBRUARY 1995

Keep Silent? = Real!

N WILL = AS
OUR New VEROVO
Gest AS Cots CONNEXION

Mont iS

AIT f& FEW More -

Aust US SY: VY
GY

AAUAN AS +e- eee apeee— = = - “FOF 8a se am

—— ("
} — 4 Vaal

why Play Games?

emember that old game show, Truth or Consequences, where panelists had to guess whether the guest was

telling the truth or a lie? Well, your business isn’t a game, and the consequences of relying on old, faulty route-
management software can be lethal.

Coin ConneXion tells the truth. We’re upfront when we claim that our programs are the best, AND the most
affordable on the market today. But don’t take our word for it. We can prove those claims. Don’t be scammed.
Don’t be misled by those who keep promising upgrades, but leave you facing the consequences of glitch-ridden
software. Get software that is updated every six months. Get an affordable system that you can rely on day to
day, year to year. Get Coin ConneXion, the GOLD STANDARD™ IN ROUTE-MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE.
Call today for our free brochure, A Head to Head Comparison,
and we'll prove that we’re telling the truth!

The Gold Standard In Rovte-Management

TAX TIPS

give you an itemized bill show-
ing the specific amount for tax
advice.

If you would like to leave a
portion of your estate to charity,
there is aneat way to get botha
current income tax deduction
and a huge future estate tax
break. Here’s how: have an ir-
revocable trust buy insurance
on your life and name a charity
as the beneficiary.

Every year when you give the
trust the amount necessary to
pay the premium, you get an in-
come tax deduction. The chari-
ty gets the proceeds at your
death, and none of those pro-
ceeds will be taxable in your es-
tate.

Or consider this variation to
have your business give huge
amounts to charity, ultimately
at a profit to your business. Say
your corporation, Success Co.,
becomes the beneficiary of a
$500,000 (more or less) policy on
your life or other key execu-
tives. Success Co. pays the pre-
miums, which are _ nonde-
ductible. Upon the insured’s
death, Success Co. collects the
$500,000 death proceeds free of
the income tax and then pays
$100,000 per year, which is de-
ductible, to the deceased’s fa-
vorite charity.

The combination of the policy
proceeds always exceeding the
premiums, and the tax-free
death proceeds being used to
get a charitable deduction, will
ultimately yield an after-tax
profit to Success Co. This
arrangement has no tax impact
on the executives.

Winning the tax game re-
quires a flow of innovative tax
ideas that work. To get a host of
such practice-proven ideas,
send for these special reports:
“How to Take Money Out of
Your Closely Held Company,”
“Your Business, America’s Best

PLAY METER

Tax Shelter,” and “The 25 Best
Tax Saving Ideas of the ‘90s.”

Some good news on
deducting club dues

Dumb law! I mean Congress
passing the punish-successful-
business-owners law disallow-
ing a deduction for club dues.
Simply put, the law says zero
deduction for membership in
any club, organized for busi-
ness, pleasure, recreation, or
other social purposes.

Well, the IRS finally issued
proposed regulations. Here’s
the bad news: clubs (whose
members are stuck in the no-
deduction club) include any
membership organization with
a principal purpose of conduct-
ing entertainment activities for
members of the organization or
their guests or providing mem-

Vn
Ny 2B Bs
BY e TOKENS «

Toll Free Phone 1-800-553-3134

VAN BROOK .

Phone (606) 231-7100 » FAX (606) 231-7108

bers or their guests with access
to entertainment facilities.

Such clubs include, but are
not limited to, country clubs,
golf and athletic clubs, airline
clubs, hotel clubs, and clubs op-
erated to provide meals under
circumstances generally con-
sidered to be conducive to busi-
ness discussion. Sorry, but
membership business lunch
clubs are included in the latter
category.

Now the good news: specific
business expenses at aclub are
deductible to the extent they
otherwise satisfy the rules for
deductibility. For example, 50
percent of allowable meal and
entertainment expenses are
deductible at a luncheon or golf
club.

Miracle of miracles! The IRS
has created an interesting list of
organizations that escape the
no-deduction rule. Join one of
these and your dues are de-
ductible: business leagues,
trade associations, chambers of
commerce, boards of trade, real
estate boards, civic or public
service organizations, and pro-
fessional organizations such as
bar and medical associations.

Careful. If, in practice, the
principal purpose of the organi-
zation is to conduct entertain-
ment activities for members or
their guests, or to provide mem-
bers or their guests with access
to entertainment facilities, the
IRS will slap the no-deduction
rule on the members.

But there are still plenty of
other huge dollar-saving ways
to skin the travel and entertain-
ment cat. Send for these special
reports: “The Complete Guide
to Building Your Entertainment
Deductions,” “The Complete
Guide to Building Your Travel
Deductions,” and “The Com-
plete Guide to Building Your
Automobile Deductions.’ A

FEBRUARY 1995

TAX TIPS

Court approves valuation
discount for real estate

When it comes to the valua-
tion of a closely held business
for tax purposes, our side (the
business owners and their com-
petent appraisers) have been
winning the valuation game for
over three decades. Why? Be-
cause the courts have given us
two very valuable discounts.

The first discount is for gen-
eral lack of marketability,
which runs in the 20 to 40 per-
cent range. This discount ap-
plies to all closely held busi-
nesses. The second discount is
for a minority interest (the in-
terest—usually stock in a cor-
poration—in the business being
valued is 50 percent or less of
the ownership), which yields an
additional discount of 10 per-
cent to 15 percent. In our office,
the combined discount often
runs as high as 45 percent when
we value aclient’s business for
tax purposes. Bless the courts.

What about transfers of real
estate? Do the same discounts
apply? Ifso, how much? Finally,
a recent case (Lefrak, 66 TCM
1993-526) answers these ques-
tions.

Here's the tax winning story:
Mr. LeFrak transferred frac-
tional interest in 20 apartment
houses and two office buildings
to his children or trusts for
their benefit. Each property
was then conveyed to a part-
nership. After the transfers, Mr.
LeFrak owned a 70 percent in-
terest while the children and
the trusts owned 30 percent.

The IRS argued that no mi-
nority discount should be al-
lowed since the donor and all
the donees were members of
the same family. Thumbs down,

PLAY METER

said the court, while allowing a
20 percent minority discount
for the value of each gift.

I love the reason the court
gave: holding that the mere fact
that family members owned the
property “should not preclude
allowance of a minority dis-
count because the possibility of
internecine bickering and dis-
sention can never be exclud-
ed.”

es in this area? Send for these
special reports: “How to Value
Your Business for Tax Purpos-
es,” “Transfer Your Corporation
to the Next Generation Tax
Free,” and “Transferring Your
Business When You Have Two
Or More Children.”

Two little-known
investment strategies
Finally, you own a winner.

“Most gifts are part of a comprehensive
ole lamcomag-latya-lm-mr-lonlihmeleciiaiccee-lare

other wealth, while keeping the IRS out
of your pockets.”

It cannot be assumed that a
family will always act as a unit.
(OK, I admit it. Didn’t know
what internecine means.
Looked it up. Webster says,
“Mutually destructive: applied
especially to war or strife with-
in a group.”)

Wait, there’s more. The court
also allowed a 10 percent dis-
count for lack of marketability.
A total of 30 percent in dis-
counts for an interest in real es-
tate held by the same family.

Wow! The old and tested law
of discounts applied to family
owned business, together with
the new LeFrak case dealing
with real estate, open many
new opportunity doors. This op-
portunity is particularly appar-
ent in the _ transfer/succes-
sion/estate planning area.

Want to get a running start
on how to save a bundle of tax-

You invested $2,000 in Up-Up
Public Co. and now, after 12
years, its worth $20,000. But
just two months ago, it was
worth $25,000. Your analysis of
the situation—GET OUT. NOW!
But you want to push the tax
cost to next year. Can it be
done?

Yes. There are two basic ap-
proaches.

The first is using puts and
calls. Buy a put (option to sell)
that expires next year. This is
one way of locking in the cur-
rent stock price while pushing
the taxable gain into next year.
A call (option to buy) can be
used in the same way to defer a
loss.

For example, you buy a put
on Up-Up stock at the current
market price. Just make sure
that it doesn’t expire until next
January. This protects the

FEBRUARY 1995

TAX TIPS

$18,000 built-in gain if the mar-
ket drops during this year. If
the market goes up, however,
you should not sell the stock or
exercise the put until January;
the loss on the put will then be
offset by the rise in the stock
value.

Selling short against the box
is the second option. Investors
who sell stocks they own are
said to be selling long. Investors
who sell short are selling stocks
they do not currently own.

When you sell short the same
stock that you also own, you are
selling short against the box. By
selling short against the box,
and then delivering after year-
end the shares held long to
close out the short sale, you can
defer any gain until the day
(next year) the short position is
closed.

You must remember that
these techniques involve trans-
action costs and opportunity
costs. Also, your investment is
tied up during the deferral pe-
riod.

name it, they want to give it:
cash, stock in their closely held
business, an interest in real es-
tate, publicly traded stocks or
bonds, and an endless variety of
other goodies.

m \' (oh-j me lia t-e-| aM ol] ame) m-Morelanlela-lal-laliy=
ele lamcomae-latya-l are mr-lealibvmelecyialcciw-lale

ol dal) an’ Lato] LGa Mm Aeli(om.4a1a) ellalemaalcm i eomeleie
0} a’) 6] am ololo) <=) aaa

When making a year-end
gift, do it right
I’m already bald. But this
problem is making me gray.
Every year, right around
Christmas, readers call me
about year-end gift giving. You

COMPETITIVE PENTES PLAY

Adults, teenagers, kids compete against the clock or each
other — individually, one-on-one or in teams— while
building confidence, fitness and high self-esteem.

Call or fax for new catalog information.

PENTES DESIGN INC.

1346 Hill Road * Charlotte, NC 28217 * 704 552-5400

PLAY METER

Yes, gift giving at year-end is
a favorite American tax-saving
game. But there is a right way
and a wrong way. It’s a very ex-
pensive game tax-wise if you do
it wrong.

Under current law, you can

GREAT GAMES

3
Two Unit Water Game

WE GIVE YOU:
Money Making Games
Redemption Centers
Redemption Systems
Design Services
and much more.

Bob’s Space Racers, Inc.

427 15th Street

Daytona Beach, Florida 32117

Telephone: 904-677-0761

FAX 904-677-0794
Since 1970 © Bob's Space Racers, 1992

FEBRUARY 1995

MAKING CHANGE
SHOULD NOT COST
A BUNDLE!!!!

(

Measures only
8%''w x 18"h x 10"d

14 ga, Heavy steel construction

High Security screw in "T"
handle

Scratch resistant 4-color
graphic front

600 quarter capacity bulk loaded
hopper with options to 1,000
quarter/ tokens

Recessed safety coin cup Coinco BA30 bill acceptor.
Accepts $1, $2, $5, $10 and
$20's and carries a 2 year

warranty on parts and labor

“Optional base and header available

$799."

Six other models from which to choose

: American Changer Corporation
1-800-741-9840

——— .
Kh

WG 7 ((p

Call for your local Distributor

TAX TIPS

give every donee (the person
receiving the gift), $10,000 per
year (called the annual exclu-
sion) without incurring any gift
tax liability. If you are married,
the tax-free gift can be up to
$20,000 per donee.

Remember: If you want to
use your $10,000/$20,000 annu-
al exclusion for a particular
year, you must complete the
gift in that year.

a Hat-Me)(eR-lalema-t-ja-te
Fito) mel ole] bala
(applied to family
owned business),

together with a
new case, open
natlah’Me)e) clejanblaliay
doors."

Here’s the classic case of
what not to do. Back on Dec. 24,
1980, Elizabeth Dillingham
wanted to play this year-end
game. She delivered six checks
for $3,000 (the magic number
before the boost to $10,000) to
six donees. On Jan. 28, 1981, she
delivered another set of $3,000
checks to the same six donees.
All 12 of the checks were
cashed in 1981.

Almost 10 years later, the
court lowered the boom on Eliz-
abeth’s 1980 gifts (Estate of Eliz-
abeth Dillingham, 5/14/90, CA-
10). The court ruled that the
1980 checks were not uncondi-
tionally delivered (the gift was
not completed) and that Eliza-
beth still had control over the
checks because she could have
stopped payment on them.

What can you do to protect

PLAY METER

FUN CENTER
MANAGER

Serious Software
For A Fun Business. *

Fun Center Manager
is a point-of-sale
system that’s packed
with the features you
need to keep your
Family Entertainment
Center running like

rs C0) OB

Lease the Manager

"1000...

Includes

24-hour S Per
Technical Month*

Support

“Conditions Apply. Call for details.

FUN CENTER
SOFTWARE.

Serious Software.
Fun Business.”

GFE Ce) ar Weasem i anaililace

1-800-535-1909

your year-end cash gifts made
by check? Either make sure the
donees cash the checks in the
year they are given, or better
yet, have the checks certified
before delivering them to the
donees.

What about gifts of stock of
your closely held corporation?
Transfer the shares before
year-end on the corporate
records: actually issue the new
stock certificates to your
donees. For the gift to hold wa-
ter, you must get an indepen-
dent appraisal. Hire your ap-
praiser early in the year. For
real estate, record the transfer
deed before year- end.

Mistakes cost money. Most
gifts are part of a comprehen-
sive plan (or should be) to
transfer a family business to the
kids and transfer other wealth,
while keeping the IRS out of
your pockets.

To get a head start on how to
win this tax game, send for the
companion special reports:
“Transfer Your Corporation to
the Next Generation—Tax
Free,” “Transferring Your Busi-
ness When You Have Two or
More Children,” and “How to
Value Your Business for Tax
Purposes.” A

Irving Blackman is a senior
tax partner in Blackman,
Kallick, Bartelstein, a CPA firm
specializing in closely held
businesses. He has agreed to
consult with readers of this col-
umn. His tax hotline is (312)
207-1040. The address to send
for the special reports (at a
nominal cost) is Book Division,
300 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago,
IL 60606.

FEBRUARY 1995

Users’ Reports

“We really liked our first Token Tech,
which is why we ordered our second.
I'm calling now to order our third.”

“The Token Tech eliminates the need to
spend hours making up rolls of 20 and
40 Tokens. We are saving enough
labor cost to more than pay for it in
less than two months.”

“The best investment since we bought
our fax machine. | can’t ever imagine
doing business without either one.”

“We have good employees... The
Token Tech removes the temptation
for them to become “silent partners” by
skimming the till.”

“It’s great! You should have come out
with it 10 years ago.”

“After using our Token Tech for
Quarters, we are switching over to
Tokens. Thanks to the dispenser, we
got acquainted with your Token
Systems.”

“The Token Tech eliminates long lines at
our cashier’s cage. Our customers like
it, too!”

“Our Batting Cage Tokens are valued at
$1 each. Anyone with a high-value
Token should be using a Token Tech.”

“We use a larger size Token for our
Carwash. All Tokens are sold through
the Token Tech. It’s accurate, and
much faster, and it keeps our people
honest.”

“The first two Token Techs are excellent.
We are sending our purchase order for
six additional units.”

“It’s working just perfect. We love it!”

“For a $3 Cigarette Token, it’s the only
way to do business.”

“We were using a system which had the
“illusion of control”. . . The first shift
manager counted all our Tokens. The
third shift manager emptied all the
cashboxes, and did a day-end count.”

“The Token Tech has simplified our
whole operation, and we know exactly
where we stand every hour.”

“We bought a similar item, made in
Europe. It cost a lot more, but it never
worked right, so we sent it back. Your
Token Tech is far superior.”

If you want to take more of these “a
to the Bank every week...

Just Push the Right Buttons.

Token Tech™ #2000

High Security Token Dispenser

© Non-Resettable Counter. Vended Token or Coin
counts can be taken on a daily, hourly,
or work-shift basis .. . or Anytime.

Changeable Display Signs. (Stock or Custom)

Ideal for Amusement, Vending, Carwash, Casinos,
... orf Anywhere Tokens or Coins are used.

Full Refund
$ 00
on 30 Day Trial... 1295
FOB LEXINGTON

FE Phone or Fax for
Free Brochure

LARGE HOPPER CAPACITY
Token Size Capacity Token Size Capacity

a re 7,500
UA eee tuteweeys 7,900

Specify Size
<< re 6,000 P iy

of Coin or Token

Capacity Coin Capacity When pia

US Quarter............ 7,000 Brazilian 20 Cruzados..... 4,500

Canadian 25¢ ......... 8,000 Venezuela 1 Bolivar....... 5,000

Australian 20¢ Chile 1 Peso ............ 4,500 SSNN8 0 07 -
Canadian Dollar Ecuador 1 Sucre ........ 4,000 We Ship Worldwide

VAN BROOK OF LEXINGTON, INC.

P.O. BOX 5044 ¢ LEXINGTON, KY 40555 «¢ U.S.A.
PHONE (606) 231-7100 ¢ FAX (606) 231-7108

a TOLL FREE 1-800-553-3134

Call Us and Talk to Real People — Not a Machine

VENDING VENDING
MACHINE raul
TOKENS MAS VENTA AVAILABLE MOVIE
—_—_—__——— alll, HERE TOKENS
AVAILABLE PROOF OF AGE | |
TOKENS HERE TOKENS REQUIRED

SLOT

PARKING fe Crsinp
METER )
TOKENS ~ vores

bial TOKENS

TOKENS FoR) OO —————
BATTING
CANDY CAGE

je — TOKENS SS e[IeE) g
TOKENS SNACKS —_é-,_,,_éi TOKENS TOKEN

Many Stock Signs available. Custom Signs (black & white or color) designed to order.

PLAY METER

RIVERBOAT EXPO

Floating casinos could
reach epic proportions

ake no mistake, riverboat gam-
ing is a growth market. In three
short years floating casinos are
into double-digit numbers, with
more in the development stage.
Such vessels are legal in six
states while no less than nine

Julie Mottes and Mike Farnham of Bally Gaming next to the

more hope to join the ranks.
The potential of rapid expan-
sion beyond the Mississippi
River region drew industry ex-
perts, officials, regulators, sup-
pliers, consultants, ship-
builders, and trade association
representatives to the fourth
annual Riverboat Gaming Con-

gress & Expo in New Orleans on
Nov. 15-17. Gaming & Wagering
Business magazine and
Michael Jones and Co. spon-
sored the event.

Attendees had an opportuni-
ty to view a wide range of river-
boat-related products from
over 150 exhibiting companies.
Included were video poker and
slot machines, computer ser-
vices, money handling equip-
ment, cashless wagering sys-
tems, marketing firms, interior
designers, and video surveil-
lance systems. And don’t forget
the basics of playing cards, to-
kens, chips, roulette wheels,
and flashy signs.

Seminars covered the evolu-
tion of gaming policy, safety
and risk management, legisla-
tive and regulatory issues,
event marketing, advertising,
vessel design, funding alterna-
tives, and market saturation.

Several companies _ dis-
played new products. Atronic
Casino Technology (formerly
Betstar) highlighted Reel Pok-
er, a flip-card poker game; a
new line of slots, including Hold
It and Mystery Express, that of-
fer different features in each
game; and new video slots Vol-
cano Island and Hot Cash with
second-screen bonus games.

WMS Gaming debuted a new
line of slot machines that fea-
ture music and voice interac-
tion, using the CDS sound sys-
tem used in pinball games to
create a high entertainment
value in casino games. Unusu-
al slot themes ranged from
Western (Stampede) to the ani-
mal world (Leapin’ Lizards).

International Game Technol-
ogy featured the Select-A-
Game touch screen 10-game

FEBRUARY 1995

RIVERBOAT EXPO

At the IGT booth, (I-r): Val Haydel of
Delta Gaming; Mike Cochran, Pan
Howatt, and Don Miller Jr. of IGT by the
new Select-A-Game.

From left: Bob Harzer of Atronic, Lee
Lockhart and Dennis Bridgeman of The
President Casino, and Jason Stage of
Atronic.

unit with embedded bill accep-
tor and 1,000 bill stacker.
Games run the gamut, from
poker and keno to blackjack
and video slots.

Bally Gaming offered a big
display of the GameMaker, the
interactive touch screen multi-
game machine with 32-bit mi-
croprocessor, illuminated bill
acceptor, and large library of
software.

Video Lottery Consultants
showcased the Winning Touch
multiple game format video
with advanced modular design,
19” touch screen, and on-
screen administrative and di-
agnostic functions.

Innovative Gaming Corp. of
America demonstrated its Live
Video Craps that uses a track
ball, and semicircular five-

PLAY METER

Peter Zemlock (r) of VLC welcomes
Sandy and Ron Steiner of World Casino
Getaways.

e807,
/y

| big »,

At the Gaming Labs International
booth, (I-r): Jan Sharplin, Keith Burton,
and James Maida.

player station Live Video Black-
jack.

U.S. Games showed the Pot-
O-Gold touch screen multi-

“a———F

An impromptu meeting, (I-r): David
Goudeau of Southland Distributing,
John Nicastro of WMS Gaming, John
Hess of Southland, and John Nicastro Il
of WMS.

cashless gaming

—— ee ee

ee — of -
i i/Gaa
Steve White (I) of Play Meter gets a

cashless wagering demonstration
from Ray Sherrod of Intercard.

the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Now
that the emphasis is off opening
casinos. There is more enforce-
ment of the regulations. The

“Sure | want to see the expansion

o}metclaalialemmeleim mM s-lalmmuem-\-mie
well regulated.”

game machine with 19” monitor
and wide range of games, from
poker to keno to pull-tabs.

Riverboat casino operators
and equipment suppliers com-
mented on different aspects of
this new industry.

Jack Reid, Isle of Capri Casi-
no, Biloxi, Miss.: “We broke
ground as the first casino on

Mississippi Gaming Commis-
sion is taking a closer look at
internal systems and trying to
get everyone on one standard.
Our emphasis is on running the
most efficient operation possi-
ble.” (There are 32 dockside
casinos in Mississippi).

Keith Burton, Gaming Labs
International, Gulfport, Miss.

FEBRUARY 1995

RIVERBOAT EXPO

Sheila Dellacona and David Kilmartin of Roger Williams Mint
show the company’s personalized tokens.

office: “Now (in Mississip-
pi) it’s come down to a ser-
vice business.”

Ray Sherrod, Intercard
(debit) card system: “Casi-
nos want to track the play-
ers and keep as much
money out of the system
as they can to save on
money handling, bill ac-
ceptor malfunctions, and
coin jams. Debit cards
make it easier to get into
the game and start play-
ing. It’s convenient and
helps locations with pro-
motions and obtaining
valuable marketing infor-
mation.”

John Nicastro, WMS
Gaming: “Riverboat gam-
ing is becoming a bigger
and bigger market seg-
ment. There’s been so
much rapid growth in a
short period of time. Sure
I want to see the expan-
sion of gaming, but I want

vality Produc
iduce Down
mn +. Hopp Assembly

in Mapechrice:! Trawming
ame By Ports Shipping
yn Tut Deliveries

Rich Mines of Asahi Seiko and Sharon Harris of Stan Harris &
Co. amid a display of coin handling equipment.

Bob Harzer, Atronic: “Ex-
isting operations are look-
ing for fresh ideas and in-
novative products,
something different than
the ordinary slot machine.
That's the draw to come to
the show in the first
place—to see new prod-
ucts and games.”

For those who may won-
der where a traditional
game room fits into the
picture, some dockside
casinos in Mississippi of-
fer arcades and super-
vised child care. Said ex-
hibitor Troy Dunkley of
childcare provider Kids
Quest: “We address the
need for safe, secure child
care centers in these loca-
tions. This convenience
can have a positive impact
on gaming hours and at-
tract new customers. We
also supervise arcades
adjacent to our licensed

Attendees check out track ball-controlled Live Video
Craps from Innovative Gaming Corp. of America.

to see it well regulated.” facilities.” A

PLAY METER 96 FEBRUARY 1995

Thank You:

for Making
AMOA EXPO ’94
a Success!

Special Thanks to Hesch Foundation
Contributors, Exhibitors and
All Expo ’°94 Attendees

PN ive Me lela melee (-11
AMOA’s Government
PNi fell emote) al (-¢-)sle—e
May 20-23, 1995,
Washington, D.C

Amusement & Music Operators Association
401 North Michigan Avenue — Chicago, IL 60611-4267 — 312.245.1021 fax: 312.245.1085

PLAY METER

RIVERBOAT

SEMINARS

Gaming regulation proves
to be arocky road

egalized gaming has spread like
wildfire across the country in
the past three years, slowed
only by the tangled web of laws,
administrative rules, and court
decisions which have been
strewn simultaneously across
the political landscape.

But just like good poker play-
ers, public officials and industry
advocates must know when to
hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em if
legalized gaming is to continue
prospering, experts say.

“As gambling spreads, poli-
tics is at the essence,” said

Keynote speaker Ken Bode, a CNN correspondent who pro-
duced a documentary on legalized gaming, talks to audience
members after his speech.

Steve White

keynote speaker Ken Bode, cor-
respondent for CNN who pro-
duced an hour-long documen-
tary on the growth of gaming in
America. “If you don’t get the
politics right, you don’t get casi-
nos, riverboats, video poker,
etc.”

That same message was de-
livered time and time again at

the Riverboat Gaming Congress
& Expo.

The problem, according to
many of the speakers present, is
that public officials are often en-
thusiastic about gaming but
naive about the industry. This
makes it difficult to fashion co-
herent laws and policies toward
gaming in the face of public mis-
conception and distrust of the
business.

Gaming, formerly known as
gambling, is still suffering a
“hangover from the past,” Bode
Said.

That negative image is only
exacerbated by conflicting poli-
cies and cronyism in Louisiana,
said Bode, using the state as an
example of what not to do.
“That's what happens when you
do it all wrong; when you do it
without referenda.”

But most featured speakers
agreed that it doesn't have to be
that way, and is, in fact, not so in
some of the other states that
have approved gaming.

“When you can be forward
looking then it’s possible to do it
right the first time,” said former
Illinois Gaming Board chairman
William J. Kunkle Jr., lamenting
some of his own state’s prob-
lems implementing gaming
laws.

Here’s a brief look at several
of the seminars dealing with the
creation and ramifications of
state gaming laws.

Spotlight on
gaming in America

In his keynote address, Bode
gave a brief history of the mete-
oric rise of legalized gaming,
praising the industry for its phe-

FEBRUARY 1995

RIVERBOAT SEMINARS

nomenal success. “You folks
have turned a lot of this around
and turned it into the fastest
growing industry except Repub-
licanism,” he joked.

But Bode noted that there are
still problems, especially when
it comes to public perception of
the relationship between politi-
cians and the gaming industry.
“When gambling hits the legisla-
ture the cash register is as-
sumed to be open,” Bode said.

Ironically, almost all of the
scandals and criminal activities
connected to the latest wave of
gambling have occurred in gov-
ernmental and not gaming in-
dustry circles.

Unfortunately as well, many
of the laws authorizing gam-
bling are less than perfect, Bode
said. While state officials may
see the promise of jobs and eco-
nomic development, they fail to
understand the gaming indus-
try.

In addition, they are often
rushed into action by the threat
of competition from a border
state which is authorizing legal-
ized gambling.

The jockeying for position by
different forms of gaming is yet
another force which works
against coherent policies and
prompts complex legal battles
that can radically alter the pic-
ture, Bode said.

But in spite of all these prob-
lems, legalized gaming contin-
ues to grow and prosper. “In just
four years, what began as an ex-
periment in Iowa has become a
multibillion-dollar industry,”
said former Illinois lottery di-
rector Michael Jones in his in-
troduction of Bode.

The CNN correspondent-
turned-gaming-expert predict-
ed that while some saturation is
sure to occur in the near future,
legalized gaming, with its huge
success in unlikely places like
the state of Mississippi, is prob-
ably here to stay.

PLAY METER

Striving for the
ideal legislation

In many states, the road to le-
galized gaming may have been
paved with good intentions, but
it was also riddled with gaping
potholes.

In states like Illinois and
Louisiana, legislatures have
passed laws requiring river-
boats to cruise while gaming is
taking place, only to have regu-
latory bodies waive that legal
mandate when bad weather and
inclement conditions threat-
ened. That essentially allowed
for dockside gambling.

However, in Illinois the gam-
ing commission is likely to re-
verse itself, and one week after
the convention district attor-
neys in Louisiana were attack-
ing the practice as well.

Such confusing situations can
be avoided, panelists said, if
laws granting authority and
spelling out gaming provisions
are crafted with more care.

An independent state gaming
commission with strong, broad
authority to regulate and au-
tonomous funding can go a long
way toward solving these prob-
lems, according Kevin Mullally,
legal counsel for the Missouri
Gaming Commission.

“I think the biggest potential
for political corruption in gam-
ing is at the local level,” said
Mullally.

States should also move ata
more moderate pace when en-
acting legislation in order to en-
sure that all the parts work to-
gether and form a rational
policy.

“It is also good for public per-
ception to get a strong set of
ethics rules in place,” added
Kay Fleming, legal counsel for
the Indiana Gaming Commis-
sion.

The evolution of
gaming policy

Government regulation of le-
galized gaming has come to be

seen as a necessary evil, but
panelist all agreed that much
can be done in the field of public
policy to make it work more ef-
ficiently.

“If we allowed gambling the
way we allow drinking milk, we
wouldn’t be here _ today,’
quipped panelist Michael Jones.
“We need to get involved in the
public policy debate!”

In Colorado, more than $1 bil-
lion a year is generated by the
combined energies of slot ma-
chines, card games, the lottery,
charitable games, and even
non-authorized gray-area ma-
chines.

“But none of these organiza-
tions talk to each other,” says
George Turner, director of the
Colorado Division of Gaming.

Kenneth Pickering, chairman
of the Louisiana Riverboat Gam-
ing Commission, says nine
riverboats netted $73 million in
October 1994 alone. But nobody
is sure who really regulates the
boats, the commission or the
state police.

“The regulatory laws are a
mess because they were put to-
gether piecemeal,” Pickering
said. “We need to straighten it
out. Where we are headed is a
superboard” that would regu-
late all forms of gaming except
parimutual betting and the lot-
tery.

John Tipton, former director
of the Colorado Department of
Revenue and general counsel
for Seven Circle Resorts Inc.,
agrees that some unified form of
regulation should be looked at
for gaming.

“There ought to be a sharing
of information,” he said. “There
ought to be some thought to
consistent regulation.” A

FEBRUARY 1995

PLAY METER

Paul Virgadamo

DOLLARS &

SENSE

A look at the new
equipment line-up

would like to dedicate this
month’s column to the myriad
of equipment introduced in the
past few months at the seem-
ingly never ending parade of
trade shows.

The major shows this past
fall took place in many interest-
ing cities ranging from San An-
tonio and Las Vegas to Miami
Beach. The general consensus
was that although a wide and
diverse array of product was
shown, for the most part there
was more quantity than quality.
Some of the equipment was
available immediately; most
wasn't going to be available un-
til after the first of the year.

I think the fall show season
left much to be desired in the
category of affordable equip-
ment necessary to generate ac-
ceptable return on investment.
This is true for street operators
as well as family entertainment
Centers.

While I'd be the first to admit
that technology brought us
some outstanding games, the
price tags were out of this
world. The cost made a great
deal of new equipment imprac-
tical for street operators. Most
of the larger pieces are suitable
primarily for large, high traffic
locations like theme parks and
elaborate family fun centers.
Unless the standard 50/50 split
between operators and loca-
tions is somehow innovatively
and creatively modified, it sim-
ply will not be possible to place
pricey equipment into an aver-
age location.

REDEMPTION: Once again
redemption seems to be draw-

100

ing the most attention, and
rightfully so. There were many
games that deserved recogni-
tion, and only the cashboxes
will tell which ones will be win-
ners. Planet Earth’s Dino 44 and
Dino 60, the latest variations of
the already successful Dino-
score, are excellent. Instead of
playing for tickets, players can
play for points that can be in-
stantly and automatically re-
deemed for merchandise from
an accompanying prize vendor
containing either 44 or 60
prizes.

Coastal’s Pop-A-Ball II has a
progressive jackpot sign, which
should enhance the earnings of
the original time-tested piece.
ICE’s revised version of the al-
ready popular 1/2 Pint Frenzy is
titled Mini Dunx and is amore
compact and attractive version
of the original.

A redemption game deserv-
ing a closer look is Bench-
mark’s Golden Goose, a fast-
paced token rolldown game. It
should keep players coming
back for more. The same can be
said about Coin Concepts’
Home Run Hitter.

Perhaps the most excite-
ment in the area of redemption
is the POG craze that was in-
credibly successful in Hawaii
and has spread to California. It
was predicted to move east-
ward and by now should be in
full swing.

Lazer-Tron’s Pogger is a four-
player rotary-type game that
allows players to win highly
sought after POGs and slam-
mers. Noel Industries recently
introduced a POG version of its

FEBRUARY 1995

YOUR TICKET) )
“TO SUCCESS TO SUCCESS)

PATENT PENDING

(4 . ee ey ee

"This REDEMPTION CENTER would bring redemption . — ee = : me Wa am oka ‘inert Induétries had: the étereaion to build

_ into places it has never been before, such Re Rd aed Pa es ae a. machine that arcades have been needing for years."
‘Bowling Alleys and Truck Stops:" arn Fact ae ah oo We are: looking forward f to purmeseo several

machines for ourselves. "

"Since this machine can be adapted to individual needs: lores chains and arcades will have the sterile to ‘iiived up
customer service and have controt of tickets and inventory." “The machine: does not take coffee breaks, ‘Reet in sick or
complain, and for these reasons, it should pay | for itself j in less than.one. year.” Pra, 3 :

INDUSTRIES CORP. MFG:
iepdemBlslie\iiclist Nice

Des Moines. lowa 50317 U.S.A.
(515) 265-9900 1-800-553-2442
FAX (515) 265-3148

SHOOT TO WIN JR.
CHUCKLES THE CLOWN

IM |

Lea SAE Sa Go £

: _
r
ii r . > "
i Ply" L

| -

y Ae | a "

4 + 4 ‘
’ » 4 r

ire

> Y

“ee Fe aie i

: Se

“et
a) >

’ ie ce Ms ee -

ALL VOICES 1TO4 |&
IN MANDARIN PLAYER |~
AND ENGLISH 10 OR 13 fa

FOOT

—

1”CANDY* CLEAN |
|; CRANE |; SWEEP |

TJ as * j
wy mide >
tede ||*?

Piss »
Se
y ra > .
a 3 By 4 % +
wn i 4 > |
eT by See 4 & p ,

CLEAN SWEEP
CRANES

SAT

HINTON SIRS (OVS Ten MIE MVNO fin

1626 Delaware Ave. Wels U.S./\
Des Moines, lowa 50317 U.S.A.

(515) 265-9900 1-800-553-2442
FAX (515) 265-3148

SHOOT TO WIN JUNIOR | FEED
CHUCKLES CLOWN tw BIG BERTHAm

4
-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT YOUR AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR

1626 Delaware Ave. OR FOR REFERRAL CONTACT US.

Des Moines, lowa 50317 U.S.A.
(515) 265-9900 1-800-553-2442
FAX (515) 265-3148

‘al

we ne

st ih Hii PEST,
[ema ha
Seen

He DHE

The SMART TICKET CENTERt i is a high volume Wleurity, ila accapiielishassdan that prints ve a
out receipts to the customer bic) gs redeeming at the Redempti

count, cut and separate every ticket. The SMART TICKET CEN
PX ovet- 0) co) ae-lale Br: Mi =t-1 gm Oxole(-Wa:t-Te(-) a (ol seeing hey value and ven
Code oe on ithe Fodempden 4 ticket. ig ea tee |

4626. Delaware Ave.

FAX (515) 265- 3148

2)
/. ||

_ q/ | 3 =

INDUSTRIES CORP, MFG. : ae 2

Des Moines, lowa 50317 U. Ss. A ,
(515) 265- 9900 - 4: BD: 593: 2442

PATENT PENDING

shakey

; | sure
| bs
}
[

HS WEL BE tite
m LTER hie $
SUR RR CUR Ae

(
|
|
i
— \
|

3°82 e
so 2 BEY no:

i
!
)
/
{
:

n Counter. This machine wil
m features a Ticket x
d oor Coan. maing a aml. ;

ae, [pone MORE INFORMATION: ee
CONTACT YOUR AUTHORED
ie aes _ DISTRIBUTOR ¢ OR FOR - A

~
ta ad

“ . * - “; . ~
. - .
. ~ a +
_s ‘ eerie” -
’ . “ys -s*,
~~ . >. ee, . a
- 4 - At a <¢ «
oh > ‘ oy .* eye .
. ~The : . Se ns e
Soave pes ae “ee o~ AN,
at an ar eS 9 eet = mre —s
so eeu? . is ore
ea : a ean =," “ ef\"ee
e es, ’ . ome o e “"-
Me . . > a ed "
otta - om? i oi °? - ~ hh
‘he ° : - . e. - .
— - on? . a .
~ t. Ds cites .
— . > > ° >>
+ : bait ~ ~ :
SEALE . .
_ eae _
: ay -

DOLLARS & SENSE

successful LAX machine. What
makes this game particularly
interesting is that merchandise
other than POGs (candy, super
balls, etc.) can be put into the
loading tubes to be dispensed
onto the playfield. Better yet,
when the POG fad is over the
POG LAX can be converted, by
means of an economical retro-
fit kit, back to the seemingly
timeless original LAX machine.
For those who already own the
original LAX, Chris Noel has in-
formed me that a kit will be
available to convert to the POG
version.

PINBALL: Williams and Bally
have done it again, and there
weren't even close seconds.
Williams’ Roadshow, featuring
the voice of country music star
Carlene Carter, is the best pin
to come along for quite a while.
Bally's Corvette, although not

BEST QUALITY
& LOWEST PRICE

- Parts

- Original New and Used PC
Boards, Cartridges For Video

Games
- Ticket Dispenser

- Power Supplies With Display

Why Not Earn More?

Cheapest In Taiwan
Contact Us Now.
Compare And We Win!

CLE-lectronic Co., Ltd.

P.O. Box 20-146

886-6-2895901 (Rep.)
FAX: 886-6-2896575

PLAY METER

the pin that Roadshow is, has
good action and is sure to be a
collector's item. The only nega-
tive thing I can say about these
products is that the price has
shot into the stratosphere. Un-
fortunately, it may not be long
before operators will have to
turn to lesser pinball products
because the best has become
unaffordable.

VIDEO GAMES: This contin-
ues to be the most disappoint-
ing category. Sitdown games,
although incredible, simply are
not affordable to most opera-
tors. Sega’s Daytona USA, is the
best game ever, but there are
only so many locations that can
justify its cost. Quality uprights
are few and far between. The
best, Killer Instinct and Cruis’n
by Midway, are expensive;
Ataris Primal Rage should
have been produced as a kit.

105

Competition i
Say AY

Doesn't...

Speaking of kits, three have
possibilities: Capcom’s Dark-
stalkers, which is already at the
top of the charts; SNK’s Samu-
rai Shodown 2, which is a must
for every Neo-Geo system; and
Strata’s Pairs, which we tested
in the adult version. The adult
version is not for every location,
but there is another version de-
signed specifically for general
audiences.

Finally, for those locations
with busy lounges, it would be
hard to find a better return on
investment than Merit’s Mega-
touch countertop game.

As we ring out the old and
ring in the new, these are but a
few coin-op titles that I hope
will make your new year a bit
more prosperous.

GREAT AMERICAN BILLIARDS
800/ 831-2011

FAX: (401)/463-6673

FEBRUARY 1995

TOURNAMENTS &

LEAGUES

PAMMA event raises
funds for association

ennsylvania darters helped
raise close to $4,000 for the
Pennsylvania Amusement Mu-
sic Machine Association when
the organization held its first
yearly dart tournament on Nov.
4-6 at the Day’s Inn in Butler,
Pa.

;

Here are Women’s Doubles A Flight winners Kathy Karpowich (I) and Connie Soro-

ka with Lou Larson.

PLAY METER

The event was spearheaded
by PAMMaA’s board of directors
and co-sponsored by Betson
Pittsburgh Distributing and
Mondial Distributing of
Philadelphia.

Also supporting the tourna-
ment were dart operating com-
panies of Pennsylvania, con-
tributing prize monies to the
tournament and sending their
league coordinators to help
with the running of the three-
day event.

Those companies included:

106

P-N-L Vending, City Coin
Amusement, B&B AmusSe-
ments, Tri-Area Amusements,
Dobkin Bros., Marsico Amuse-
ments, Deleo Amusements,
Country Mountain Amuse-
ments, Wescal, Cannonsburg
Amusements, H. Lazar & Son,
M&G Services, Apple Vending,
Warner Coin Machine, Marsh
Amusements, Angelo Amuse-
ments, Jay’s Vending, Kay’s Mu-
sic Service, and Mid-State
Amusements.

The PAMMA tournament
was unique in that it was com-
pletely classified. All regis-
tered dart shooters were chal-
lenged to throw against other
darters of equal proficiency.
The classifications were based
on local league statistics pro-
vided by the operating compa-
nies.

Acknowledged as the Key-
stone state's dart gurus, PAM-
MA president Lou Manolios of
P-N-L Vending in Pittsburgh,
Bob Mills of Arachnid, and Lou
Larson of Betson Pittsburgh-
were Charged with conducting
the tournament. All three
praised the participating oper-
ating companies, saying that
their support “makes this type
of event possible for their
league players.”

Mid-State Amusements was
the first Pennsylvania operat-
ing company to experiment
with a divisionalized or classi-
fied tournament, a $5,000 event
held the previous month. Fred
Wood, Mid-State president,
said players really respond to
the format, and he is already

FEBRUARY 1995

TOURNAMENTS & LEAGUES

Pro Men's Singles winner Mike Abboud
(c) shows off his prize to Colonel Ed-
ward “C.E.” Boring of Mid-State Amuse-
ments (r) and another competitor.

planning for a similar event this
year.

Lending his wisdom to the
task of separating more than
1,000 entries into divisions was
the National Dart Association's
former president Dave Warner
of Warner Coin Machine in
Erie, and tournament stage di-
rector Charlene Suchy of P-N-L
Vending was credited as being
“the glue that held it all together.”

The event grossed approxi-
mately $15,000 through regis-
tration, contributions, and
coin-drop. Close to $10,000 of
that was returned in prizes.
“After the cost of operation
PAMMA should see about
$4,000 for the state association,”
Manolios said.

Betson Pittsburgh and Mon-
dial helped with the collection
of money, supplied the Galaxy
boards used in the competition,
and provided assistance during
the tournament.

With only four exceptions, all
first, second or third place win-
ners were Pennsylvania resi-
dents. Friday night winners
were:

Women’s Luck of the Draw:
1st—Kathy Karpowich of Free-
land and Charlene Suchy of
Pittsburgh; 2nd—Kim Cruise of
Pittsburgh and Pam Anderson
of Moundsville, W. Va.; 3rd—
Michelle Rush of Landsdale

PLAY METER

Wayne Hazlett (r) is congratulated by
Warren Morgan of Arachnid on his first
place finish in the Unisex Cricket C
Flight competition.

and Char Haganey of Freeland.

Men’s Luck of the Draw: 1st—
Tracy Brown of Butler and Bob
Yurga of N. Apollo; 2nd—Walter
“Hots” Pankow of Buffalo, New
York, and Kraig “Barney” Walk-
er of Pittsburgh; 3rd—John
“Slug” Gasdick of Pittsburgh
and Cliff Bendig of Erie.

Midnight Madness: 1st—
Tommy Baker and Pete Scotti
both of Pittsburgh; 2nd—Tracy
Brown and Mark Jasko of Fin-
leyville; 3rd—Jim Denkovich
and Shawn Brennan.

Saturday’s competition in-
cluded:

Women’s Doubles A Flight:
lst—Karpowich and Connie
Soroka of Sellesville; 2nd—
Fran Grinder and Maria Frich-
er both of Landsdale; 3rd—Liz
Davis of Newport, New York,
and Hla Tlou of Blacksburg, Va.

Women’s Doubles B Flight:
1st—Colleen Donlin of Drifton
and Char Haganey; 2nd—
Sharon Whitley of Erie and
Veronica Grey of Fairview;
3rd—Melanie Osella and Anna
Faure both of Bridgeville.

Men’s Doubles C Flight: 1st—
Michael Carnell of Arnold and
Jason Yingling of Tarentum;
Terry Trojanovich and Dan
Whitney both of Erie; 3rd—Jim
Grimming and Tim Dale both of
Altoona.

Men’s Doubles B Flight: 1st—

107

Gary Musselman, shown with Mimi
Capotosto, finished second in the
Cricket Singles B Flight.

Matt Whitmore of New Water-
ford and Jim Denkovich; 2nd—
Lee Cherry of Valencia and
Dave Shomaker of Mars; 3rd—
Frank Ebert of Stroudburg and
Weasel of Pittsburgh.

Men’s Doubles A Flight: 1st—
Greg Jones and Darin Young
both of Whitehaven; 2nd—Joe
Haganey of Freeland and Mike
Abboud of Conynham; 3rd—
B.J. Gerber and Mark Sniscak

both of Nesquehoning.
Unisex Cricket A Flight: 1st—
Mike Abboud; 2nd—Greg

Jones; 3rd—Joe Haganey.

Unisex Cricket B Flight: 1st—
David Constant; 2nd—Gary
Musselman; 3rd—Jim Den-
kovich.

Unisex Cricket C Flight: 1st—
Wayne Hazlett; 2nd—Dan Whit-
ney; 3rd—Joe Balestrein.

Unisex Cricket D Flight: 1st—
Jim Hutchinson; 2nd—Veronica
Grey; 3rd—Doug Sprankle.

Mixed Triples A Flight: 1st—
Michael Abboud, Kathy Kar-
powich, and Joe Haganey;
2nd—Greg Jones, Liz Davis,
and Darin Young; 3rd—B.J.
Gerber, Connie Soroka, and
Mark Sniscak.

Mixed Triples B Flight: 1st—
Robert Marshman, Trish Ha-
zlett, and Terry Wright; 2nd—
John Petrick, Char Haganey,
and Tom Mulhearn.

FEBRUARY 1995

TOURNAMENTS & LEAGUES

Sunday winners:

Pro Men’s Singles: 1st—
Michael Abboud; 2nd—Joe Ha-
ganey; 3rd—Walter “Hots”
Pankow.

Pro Women’s Singles: 1st—
Kathy Karpowich; 2nd—Elona
Bridge; 3rd—Liz Davis.

Women’s Singles B Flight:
lst—Jamie Stewart; 2nd—Char
Haganey; 3rd—Diane Voltz.

Men’s Singles B Flight: 1st—
Cliff Bendig; 2nd—Dan Weaver;
3rd—Wes Sornisky.

Women’s Singles C Flight:
ist—Veronica Grey; 2nd—
Colleen Donlin; 3rd—Ann
Teyssier.

Men’s Singles C Flight: 1st—
Dan Whitney; 2nd—Dan Doutt;

|
% eal % . ct “2 ¥ . a
In the Mixed Triples B Flight winners Robert Marshman, Trish Hazlett, and Terry
Wright (I-r) are congratulated by Charlene Suchy.

3rd—Jim Grimming. Tracy Brown; 3rd—Char Ha- Maria Fricher and _ Jerry
Mixed Cricket A Flight: Ist— ganey and Mike Abboud. Finnell; 3rd—Pam Anderson
Kathy Karpowich and Joe Ha- Mixed Doubles B Flight: Ist— andSam Jacovetty.A

ganey; 2nd—Elona Bridge and Hla Tlou and Bob Slifer; 2nd—
Bill 1 Miniature
: lal Golf
Course
Cloth Designs
M Putting courses are leading the way in new

miniature golf course construction.
HM See the latest hole designs and putting course
layouts in a free ten minute video and brochure.
M@ See how streams, sand traps and waterfalls
are changing the face of miniature golf.

rN | Gy ¢-\o[=t-ar-lale Mt Oxo) (0) s

Wisalla

ORDER DEPT:

TOLL FREE — 800-223-6468

NEW YORK— 212-475-4960 in Harris Miniature Golf Courses, Inc

FAX — 212-533-8169 Gott P.O, Box 243, 141 West Burk Ave.
Wildwood, NJ 08260-0243

The Henry WT. Mali & Co., Inc. | Phone 609-522-4200
257 Park Ave, South « New York, N.Y. 10010 FAX 609-729-0100

PLAY METER 108 FEBRUARY 1995

PLAYER'S
PERSPECTIVE

Simulators give players
a run for their money

ast year a new breed of video Similarly, Namco’s popular Fi-
came on the scene, actually nal Lap 3 was outmoded visual-
challenging the fighting games_ ly by Ridge Racer and its se-
foranumber one earning spot. quel.

Probably the most consistently Unfortunately, with state-of-
popular theme since the incep-_ the-art games come huge cabi-
tion of video games, driving nets and hefty prices. Realisti-
Simulators, has jumped ahead_ cally, not many operators can
of the competition since tex- afford to buy agame that costs
ture-mapping debuted. more than a new car, but play-
ers do want games they can't
play on their home systems.

Point Blank

Theme: Namco’s’ newest
shooting game proves that non-
violent themes can be more fun
than rival police or gunfighter
roles. Point Blank contains sev-
eral dozen minigames in one:
the player can shoot and de-
stroy meteors heading for
Earth, prevent jumping pira-
nhas from reaching a man
hanging above, knock apples
off of people’s heads, or just
challenge one of many moving
target shooting galleries.

Each player starts with three
lives and must choose a difficul-
ty level: practice, medium, diffi-
cult, or hard. The harder levels
contain 16 stages to complete
and a final round. Hitting
bombs or benevolent targets
on-screen, or not completing
the given quota for each state,
costs one life. Therefore, com-
pleting each stage before the
game ends is the player's goal.

Graphics: There are no digi-

Namco's Point Blank tized, texture-mapped, or poly-
gon visuals here; only simple,
oversized, non-detailed car-

What was so impressive in toonish characters that make

Sega’s Out Runners or Virtua up the game’s graphics. The

Racing was surpassed withthe purpose is not to achieve real-

Greg Reeves introduction of Daytona USA. ism, but rather to challenge

PLAY METER 109 FEBRUARY 1995

PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE

skill and reflexes, so back-
ground details are limited and
target movement is a priority.

Controls: At first glance
the game appears to be a
redemption piece, mainly
due to the oversized cabi-
net and simple effects.
Two guns and holsters are
attached to the front of the
game, distinguished by
color.

A large monitor is in-
verted by a mirror to in-
crease screen distance
from the player. The guns
contain internal motors to
produce a kickback effect
after a shot is fired. Namco
claims to have the most
accurate gun in the busi-
ness with this game, nec-
essary because screen tar-
gets often move rapidly
and vary from big to small.

Game Play: Whether
choosing a one- or two-
player game, each person
must decide on a difficulty
level. The chosen level is
then displayed as a hill
with a castle on top and 16
or so stages on the way up.
All of these must be com-
pleted without losing
three lives.

A set of four stages is offered
at one time; each one has a dif-
fering time limit, bullet al-
lowance, and target quota to
fulfill. Often, bombs will appear
among the targets and will cost
a life if hit. Missing a quota also
speeds the game's end. If all 16
stages are completed, a final
fireworks round declares the
winner and the end of the two-
player game.

Overall: The graphics and
theme seem more suitable for a
child, but the speed of game
play is too difficult for little peo-
ple. The lack of violence is a
positive aspect, plus it is an ex-
ample that shooting games can

PLAY METER

be benevolent. It is appropriate

for any location, but I believe a
family fun center is ideal. I

SNK’'s Samurai Shodown Il

don't expect it to have the pop-
ularity of a Revolution-X or Ter-
minator 2, but it should have
long-term appeal.
Samurai Shodown Il

Theme: As in the original,
Shodown II is unique in that
only one type of fighter is pre-
sent in the game—a sword ex-
pert. Actually, some of the new
characters carry claws, staffs,
or gauntlets, but the weapon
theme is intact. Sixteen total
characters can be chosen to do
battle in redrawn or altogether
new background scenery for
the title of supreme Samurai.

Graphics: The game has the
appearance of the patented

110

mega-shock graphics, if not the
designation, due to the zoom-
ing camera angles and dramat-
ic finishes. Especially in-
teresting is the reacting
scenery during battle,
such as sliced trees and
barrels. Many of the same
background locations
from the original appear,
all redone with better de-
tail and some with season
changes.

Graphics in general are
the cleanest of all SNK
fighting games, especially
the company’s other cur-
rent hit, King of Fighters
‘94, and are shown in the
first and best style—
Japanese animated.
Controls: Available in
dedicated form or as a
Neo-Geo addition,
Shodown II makes use of
a joystick and four but-
tons. Buttons A and B al-
low weapon strikes in
light and medium
strengths, respectively,
and a combination of both
causes a powerful attack.
Buttons C and D work
along the same lines,
though with kicks. A
character can be relieved
of his weapon and must strike
with his hands instead until he
recovers his sword.

The joystick can cause a for-
ward dash, jumping retreat,
forward roll, or backward roll if
two successive movements are
made in the correct direction.
Otherwise, control is normal,
and, of course, several energy
or special fighting moves are
possible with various combina-
tions.

Game Play: The fighting is
virtually identical to the pre-
quel, but certain things have
been added: a power meter in-
creases in strength after sever-
al combos are performed, and

FEBRUARY 1995

PLAYER'S PERSPECTIVE

the corresponding attack dli-
rections are displayed at the
bottom of the screen.

This way, the player doesn't
have to guess the move,
only read and perform it.
The clashing swords effect
has been simplified to just
knocking the weapon out of
the opponent's hand, and
more techniques are possi-
ble with the added rolling
movements.

Overall: The release of
the sequel is timed perfect-
ly to help rejuvenate the
success of the original
Samurai. The dedicated
cabinet will draw more
crowds than the kit, due to
the importance of this
game and the number of ti-
tles present in a Neo-Geo
cabinet.

The specialized weapon
theme is a great idea. Fu-
ture games should also
concentrate on only one
type of warrior, instead of
incorporating all of them. It is
what makes this game unique
and what drives it.

Ridge Racer 2

Theme: The sequel to the
very first texture-mapped dri-
ving game was released quick-
ly, in less than a year. There are
a few improvements to help
compete with other simulators.

Unlike the rest, Namco has
converted a city to a race
course, rather than using a con-
ventional track. This greatly
emphasizes scenery and real-
ism, as well as makes the play
more interesting. One through
eight players, depending on the
number of linkup cabinets, can
challenge one another in Rave
War racing cars to complete
three to five laps through the
city.

Graphics: What can be said
about a graphics capability that
is way ahead of its time? Nam-

PLAY METER

co’s patented TR3 system con-
structs polygon forms to make
cars, buildings, walls, and
rocks, and then covers these

Pel 2

, “ A
d mS > Pf
yaw? 17h Al

Namco's Ridge Racer 2

shapes with texture that de-
fines them.

The computer world that is
formed as a result remembers
where obstacles were hit or
skid marks were placed during
the previous lap and displays
their location on the current
lap. It gives the impression that
the city course is really there
and not just formed as the play-
er goes along.

Higher difficulty levels in-
crease the length of the course,
or are blocked off for a shorter
track. Weather and daytime
conditions change from game
to game and lap to lap. The sky
becomes darker and lights in
building windows come on, or
the sun comes up and puts a
glow on the scene. A helicopter
often zooms by to check the
race’s progress.

A new feature is a rearview
mirror that allows a player to

111

prevent another car from pass-
ing him. Also on the screen are
the speedometer, track map,
car placement, shift gear in
use, and lap timer. Perhaps
the most interesting sight is
a large screen, seen above
the entrance to the tunnel,
which displays a demo
game of the classic Gorr.
Controls: The cabinet is
available in a one- or two-
seater model and can link
up to eight people at one
time. Each player has a
molded seat with built-in
speakers, accelerator and
brake pedals, steering
wheel, and a shift up/down
lever. The lack of a clutch
pedal or numbered shifter
promotes faster handling.
Game Play: Before com-
mencing, the game allows
time for others to join in,
followed by a choice of mu-
sic, automatic or manual
transmission, and difficulty
setting.
The race begins just outside
of downtown and takes the
players through and under the
city, near the beach, and be-
tween cliff faces. Two check-
points along the course extend
game play while an announcer
informs the number of laps or
player position.

The perspective is that seen
only from inside the car. No
multiview buttons are present,
but the addition of the rearview
mirror adds realism. The game
ends with final car placements
after all laps are completed in
the allotted time.

Overall: The car handling is
easy, Curves and turns are man-
aged well, and the city course is
most interesting. It is hard to
imagine graphics improving
beyond this point. It would
seem that real racing footage
would be the next step. A

FEBRUARY 1995

PLAY METER

Randy Fromm

TOPICS

) TECHNICAL

As others see us: Part 2

[Editor’s note: Last month we
ran a lengthy article that per-
tained to obtaining information
from internet. That particular
one focused on how to buy ma-
chines. Reading the comments
generated from outside of our in-
dustry gives us a perspective on
how we are perceived. Randy has
again extracted a portion of in-
formation from internet, this
time on pinball. We enjoyed read-
ing it and hope you will too.!

A teeny-tiny, itty-bitty per-
centage of the information avail-
able on the internet concerns the
coin-op business. Actually it
translates to an appreciable
amount of data; data painstak-
ingly collected and _ lovingly
archived in the form of printed
text by a cadre of dedicated vol-
unteers. Last month, we took a
look at the video game business
through the eyes of the players
and fans.

This month pinball comes un-
der the microscope with an ex-
cellent presentation of questions
and answers through the FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
document.

The FAQ is a common way to
avoid having to repeat answers
to frequently asked questions
(hence the FAQ name). Since the
FAQ exists as data, it is easy to
revise and update. As a result,
the FAQ is constantly being
added to. The list of “hallowed
contributors” is listed at the end
of the FAQ.

This FAQ has been edited for
brevity. Even so, it’s a lengthy
dissertation. Specifically, por-
tions regarding the internet it-
self have been deleted. Refer-
ences to video pinball have been
deleted as well.

112

The rec.games.pinball Dyna-
FAQ. Originated by Keith John-
son: <keefer@rahul.net> and
Kevin Martin <sigma@rahul.net>

Introduction

The purpose of this DFAQ is to
provide an up-to-date list of
questions and answers for the
rec.games.pinball newsgroup.
The current official FAQ for the
newsgroup deals primarily with
maintaining and finding/buying
your own pinball machines.

The FAQ is a valuable guide
for this kind of information, and
if that is the kind of information
you really need, read that. Its
maintainer is Andy Oakland
<sao@athena.mit.edu>. This
DFAQ tries to reflect the current
goings-on and trends of the
newsgroup and pinball in gener-
al, as well as the interesting past.

Finally, and perhaps most im-
portant, we hope to provide
some factual and interesting
reading for anyone who enjoys
pinball or wants to learn more
about it.

Abbreviations

This is a list of abbreviations
commonly used in this DFAQ.

rgp - rec.games.pinball

FAQ - Frequently Asked
Question(s)

DFAQ - the Dyna-FAQ (this
guide!)

BTW - by the way

K - thousand (usually points)

M - million

B - billion

SDTM - straight down the
middle

MHO - My Humble Opinion

PAPA - Professional and Ama-
teur Pinball Association

IFPA - International Flipper
Pinball Association

AMOA - Amusement & Music

FEBRUARY 1995

TECHNICAL TOPICS

Operators Association

TZ - Twilight Zone

TAF - The Addams Family

IJ - Indiana Jones

JD - Judge Dredd

JP - Jurassic Park

LAH - Last Action Hero

SF2 - Street Fighter II

SMB - Super Mario Bros.

ST:TNG - Star Trek: The Next
Generation

CFTBL - Creature From the
Black Lagoon

BK - Black Knight

BK2K - Black Knight 2000

LW3 - Lethal Weapon 3

HS2 - High Speed II: The Get-
away

VUK - Vertical Up-Kicker

EM - Electro-Mechanical

SS - Solid State

Index of Questions
SECTION 2
General

1. Who are the manufactur-
ers?

2. What is that loud cracking
noise?

3. What is a special?

4. What is amatch?

5. Do pinball machines have
magnets in them?

6. Then what causes weird ball
movement?

7. So the electro-magnetic
field...

8. What is a beta machine?

9. Did I just see a cow in that

game?

10. Are there cowsin__?

11. How much does a machine
weigh?

12. How much does a machine
cost?

13. What is the size of a pin-
ball?

14. What is the Powerball?

15. What is the Power?

16. Are there any pinball-re-
lated or pinball-specific publica-
tions?

17. What is the Broadway Ar-
cade?

PLAY METER

SECTION 3
Playing Pinball

1. Is there a good source of in-
formation for improving my
play?
. How does tilt work, anyway?
. What is a slam tilt?
. What is a death save?
. What is a bang back?
. What are combos?
. What are Wizard Awards?

Is ___ ~=~a good score on
5

9. What is rolling a game over?

10. Why is the replay different
from the other day?

11. How does the game know
when a ball is stuck?

12. What does “press start to
adjust replay” mean?

SECTION 4
Tournament Play

1. What are the
leagues?

2. What are the major tourna-
ments?

3. What are common settings
for tournament play?

4. What is a tournament
mode?

5. How do tournaments work?

6. How can I find out about
tournaments?

7.Can I start my own league?

8. Who are the past tourna-
ment winners?

SECTION 5
History

1. What was the first pinball
game?

2. Okay, then, what was the
first game with flippers in it?

3. What are electromechanical
games?

4. What are solid state games?

5. What was the first Data East
game?

6. What was the first Alvin G. &
Co. game?

7. Aren't Tri-Ball and M-Ball
really stupid names for Multi-
ball?

8. So why do Gottlieb and
Alvin G. machines say Multiball?

iy)

ONMWUN A w

major

113

9. Is there a list of all the pin-
ball games that have been
made?

10. What manufacturers have
died off over the years?

11. Do manufacturers from
other countries exist?

12. Was pinball really banned
in New York City?

13. Are replays still illegal in
New York City?

14. What are the most popular
games ever?

SECTION 6
Technically Speaking

1. Can the rules change on the
same game?

2. So how do I see what ROMs
are on my machine?

3. What kind of sensors are
used in games?

4. What happens when the
switches break?

5. What are those wiry paths
called?

6. How can the game get hard-
er physically?

7. How can the game get hard-
er otherwise?

8. How do flippers work?

9. Can I tell if anything is
wrong with the game BEFORE I
play it?

SECTION 7
Specific Game FAQs

1. What is the four-way combo
in TAF?

2. Why is/isn’t there a rubber
band in my TZ?

3. What are the songs used in
CFTBL?

4. What is the vacation jackpot
in White water?

5. just got the flipper bonus in
TZ. How did I do it?

6. What is the proper way to go
in STTNG’s Shuttle

Simulation?

7. What is the Secret Mission
in STTNG?

8. Why in God’s name are
there three high score tables in
STTNG?

FEBRUARY 1995

TECHNICAL TOPICS

9. Are there really secret flip-

per combinations in games?
SECTION 9
Pinball and Your Health

1. Can Il really get injured just
by playing pinball?

2. How can I avoid pinball-re-
lated injuries?

3. So how do I know if I’m get-
ting CTS?

While each of the questions
listed above has an extensive an-
swer, we have selected only a few
from each section to give you ex-
amples of what people are see-
ing on internet:

SECTION 2: General

Q: Who are the pinball manu-
- facturers?

A: Currently, there are
Williams (who owns Bally/Mid-
way and also uses this name to
manufacture pins, effectively
giving the same company two
pins on the assembly line at
once); Gottlieb (owned by Pre-
mier); and Data East. If for some
reason you'd like to contact one
of these companies, their ad-
dresses are given in the FAQ.

Q: What is that loud cracking
noise?

A: That is the sound of a sole-
noid banging the side of the pin-
ball cabinet. Well, not always the
side of the cabinet, but usually.
Some newer Williams/Bally
games have the thwacker (tech-
nical term) in the backbox.
Weird.

In most cases, it signals the
award of a free game, a chance
to play the machine again at no
cost! Along with being a real-life
physical entity that you can ma-
nipulate, free games are what
sets pinball machines apart from
video games.

Q: Do pinball machines have
magnets in them?

A: NO! Well, usually not. Some
games have visible, purposeful
magnets in them, but they are
usually pointed out to you some-

PLAY METER

how. Some examples are the spi-
ral magnets in TZ, the power in
TAF (LAH also uses the same
technique as TAF), and the “don’t
shoot!” ball-trapping magnet in
Rollergames.

In TZ, there is also the Magna-
Flip in the Powerfield, where you
activate the magnets in an at-
tempt to sling the ball up to the
top. And, in some games of the
past (most notably BK and
BK2K), there was Magna-Save.
Hit the button, and your ball
would be caught from the out-
lane, and generally fall back into
the inlane (assuming you were
fast enough, of course).

Q: What is a beta machine?

A: Beta machines are pins that
show up a while before their pro-
duction run. Most often, they ap-
pear in areas around Chicago
(since that’s where all the manu-
facturers are located) so that
people can try them out and give
their initial impressions and
feelings about the game.

Betas generally are quite a bit
different from their later pro-
duction counterparts in the way
the rules are set up. However,
the artwork and playfield layout
almost never change, though
other things like rubber posts
may be added and/or removed.

There are also even earlier
prototype machines that may
wind up being radically different
from the later betas and produc-
tion machines.

Q: How much does a machine
weigh?

A: Around 250-350 pounds, de-
pending on the number of toys in
it, whether it’s a widebody or not,
etc.

Q: How much does a machine
cost?

A: New machines fresh from
the factory retail for $3,000-
$3,500. Data East and Gottlieb
machines tend to be on the less
expensive end of the scale;

114

Williams/Bally tend to be more
expensive.

Q: What is the Broadway Ar-
cade?

A: One of the finest arcades in
the United States for playing pin-
ball. It is located at 52nd and
Broadway in New York City. Its
owner is Steve Epstein, who has
been an incredible force in ad-
vancing the world of pinball. He
is the founder of PAPA and is re-
sponsible for numerous tourna-
ments held nowadays. Truly a
great man dedicated to a great
cause!

Thanks to Steve Baumgarten
<sbb@panix.com> for correc-
tions.

SECTION 3: Playing Pinball

Q: Is there a good source of in-
formation for improving my
play?

A: In the archive there is a file
called Info/playingtips. It is
maintained by Dave Hollins-
worth:
<hlsw_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.e
du>. It is an invaluable guide to
getting better and explaining
techniques. If you are at all seri-
ous about improving your skill,
you should not be without this
guide. There is a lot of informa-
tion in it, but some questions are
asked so often, I felt they also de-
served a spot in the DFAQ.

Q: What is a death save?

A: A death save is a way to get
the ball back into play after it has
gone down an outlane. For it to
work, you need to have a ma-
chine that is not very sensitive
tilt-wise. These are easiest on
any Data East machine, followed
closely by Williams/Bally and
Alvin G. machines. They are very
hard to do on Gottlieb machines.

You can do a death save if the
ball has gone down the right out-
lane (or down the left on a Got-
tlieb, since they have that rubber
pin there to bounce the ball off
of). When it has gone down the

FEBRUARY 1995

TECHNICAL TRAINING FOR Textbooks - Videotapes
OPERATORS AND MECHANICS - Llassroom Instruction -

onl

| LL) Randy Fromm's Big Blue Book of Really Great Technical Information — $39 95

All-You-Need Beginning Electronics for Operators 2 tapes ——$ 79.95
Basic Videogame Troubleshooting $ 49.95
Diodes, Transistors and Other Semiconductors 2 Tapes $ 79.95
Easy Pinball PC Board Repair ————_ § 49.95

Conventional Power Supplies (used in pinballs and monitors) — $ 49.95
Videogame Monitor Repair Made Simple 3 Tapes —————. $109.95
| Switching Regulator Power Supplies ——————————————- § 49.95
Videogame Conversions ——_$_$_$ $$ —$— — _—_ — ———___________——. § 49.95
Using a Digital Multimeter © ——_—_—__—__ $39.95

How to Use an Oscilloscope

Package Deal. All videotapes in this —
box nis the Big Blue Book — $550.00 RANDY ARCH

OTHER VIDEOTAPES OF INTEREST ARCADT _
j
=—

Servicing Bill Acceptors ——-g49,95 SCHOOL ‘a me
Servicing Video Lottery Printers Vol. 1 NCR — $49.95 Be “ en

Servicing Video Lottery Printers Vol. 2 TDC —— $49.95
Understanding Digital Electronics -2 Tapes ———— $79.95
Microprocessor Systems and

Microprocessor Troubleshooting - 2 Tapes $79.95 Educating “lhe

Servicing XY Monitors —————"">>~m- $9.95
’ Scuce 1980
COD orders gladly accepted. Remember to add $5.00 shipping & handling to all USA orders.

This practical, hands-on re-
pair class is designed for operators, Randy Fromm's Arcade Tod aero),

route mechanics and shop service (oq Noh OF 2 1 DU =
techs that are looking for a quick and
painless way to slash downtime by Keno, NY March 27 - 31, 1995
making a dramatic improvement in | New Orleans,
their repair skills. RE
i You'll get the most out of the
| class if you already have a bit of experience working with games. | don't waste valuable
classroom time covering simple things like joysticks, buttons or coin mechanisms.
However, you do not need any previous electronics training. The main thrusts of the class are: How to use
a digital multimeter to test circuits and components, step-by-step amusement game troubleshooting,
power Supply repair and video display monitor repair.
You'll be amazed how interesting and easy it is to fix most power supplies and monitors. You'll

learn to perform repairs down to the component level and you'll work on monitors and power supplies during
the “hands-on” portions of the class.

This is NOT an advanced class that will be over your head. this class

teaches you to quickly identify the problem in a game, repair it and get on to your next
location or repair assignment.

Randy Fromm

Randy Fromm’s Arcade School 1944 Falmouth Dr. El Cajon, CA 92020-2827 TEL 619.593.6131 FAX 619.593.6132

TECHNICAL TOPICS

outlane, hold up the LEFT flipper.
Then, as soon as the ball hits the
metal plate on the left side, give
the machine a sharp quick shove
to the right (and perhaps back a
little bit).

For a Gottlieb machine, you
should reverse the process,
since you ll be trying to save a
left drain off the post. Right out-
lane saves are very hard. When
you try these, please make sure
there’s enough room for the ma-
chine to move around, or else
you ll wind up damaging the ma-
chine, machines around it, walls,
CTC.

The operator will be less than
pleased at you if any of this
should happen. However, if you
do it right, the ball should now be
just above the right flipper. Low-
er the left and flip away! Warn-
ing: Be sure you have your
weight sufficiently behind you
when you try this! Otherwise,
you could wind up hurting your
elbow or arm.

In the archive, you should
check out the Misc/-
deathsave.gif picture (or the
compressed PostScript counter-
part, Misc/deathsave.ps.Z). It
gives you the general idea of how
a death save is supposed to
work. I think there’s a bang back
picture in that file, too. Also see
the file referenced in the next
question.

Q: Why is the replay score dif-
ferent from the other day?

A: All modern games use re-
flexing to adjust the replay value
of a game every so often to a de-
sired target percentage of re-
plays. Generally, this is set to
about 10 percent.

This means that the game
looks at the last x-number of
games played, determines the
percentage of those games that
replays were awarded, then
makes the new replay value
higher or lower, depending on

PLAY METER

what the actual percentage of
games won is compared to the
desired percentage.

Williams/Bally and Gottlieb
games reset their replay scores
every 50 or so games. Data East
games ask you to hit start after
power-cycling the machine in or-
der to adjust the replay (or they
do it right away if you are using
the menus). Lots of recent Got-
tlieb games have a bug in them
that sets the replay well out of
reach for pretty much anyone.
No one knows why for sure, but
there are quite a few machines
(SF2s and SMBs, especially) that
have replays in the nine billions.
Ouch!

Different from the base replay
score is the replay boost: Most
games will start raising the cur-
rent replay score until you run
out of credits (so that it isn’t easy
to constantly keep getting re-
plays at a set score).

Williams games nowadays
typically raise the replay by 50M
points until you run out of cred-
its or someone else puts more
money into the game. Either of
those actions will put the replay
score back to its base (usually).

Data East games boost their
replays by about 25M after a re-
play or a match! Running out of
credits or putting more money in
should reset the replay back to
normal here, too. For Gottlieb
games, you can get afew replays
in arow at the base score, but af-
ter that, the score starts to sky-
rocket. And the boost gets high-
er and higher after each game
played until there are no credits
left.

Also note that the replay score
isn't the only thing that can re-
flex on a game. The number of
ramp shots needed to light extra
ball is a good example of other
reflexing features. Beware of
Data East reflexing. Its games
have a tendency to reflex either

116

on or off, not just harder or easi-
er. (This is a Bad Thing, of
course.)

Thanks to Dave Stewart
<dstewart+@cmu.edu> for sug-
gestions.

SECTION 4: Tournament Play

Q: What are the major tourna-
ments?

A: There are several major
tournaments during the course
of the year. The first one is the
PAPA tournament, held in New
York City in early to mid-Febru-
ary.

The next one is the IFPA tour-
nament, generally held around
the Chicago vicinity or fairly
close. [In July 1994, the IFPA
ceased operation. It used to be
supported by the manufacturers
themselves but they pulled out,
effectively killing the IFPA.]

The other two tournaments
are the Pinball Show in Arizona
(held mid-summer or later) and
the tournament at Pinball Expo
(held in Chicago in early Sep-
tember).

Q: What is a tournament
mode?

A: The purpose of tournament
modes is to take the randomness
out of a game as much as possi-
ble. What this mainly means is
that any random awards given
out by a game will be made non-
random. Examples: The Fish
Finder on Fish Tales and the
Burn Rubber award on HS2 give
out the same awards in the same
order each time.

Q: Can I start my own league?

A: Sure, why not? If you want it
to be sanctioned by PAPA, then
you ll need to contact Steve Ep-
stein. If you just want to start’
small, and perhaps become
sanctioned later, then you can
run it pretty much any way you
want. A good source of informa-
tion are the Misc/league® files
provided by Dave Stewart
<dstewart@cmu.edu>. It’s a real-

FEBRUARY 1995

TECHNICAL TOPICS

ly good idea to have the help and
approval of a local operator
when trying to start one up.

Q: Who are the past tourna-
ment winners?

A: As of April, 1994: 1991—
PAPA 1, Joey Cartegena; IFPA 1,
Rick Stetta. 1992—PAPA 2, Rick
Stetta; IFPA 2, Dave Hegge.
1993—PAPA 3, Lyman Sheats Jr;
IFPA 3, Rick Stetta. 1994—PAPA
4, Bowen Kerins; IFPA 4, Dan Wil-
son.

SECTION 5: History

Q: What was the first pinball
game?

A: This depends on what ex-
actly you're asking. Before pin-
ball as we know it today, there
were machines that just had pins
in them and balls would fall
down from the top (like a
Pachinko machine, except they
weren t upright). This is probably
why it was called pin-ball.

This coin-operated pinball in-
dustry as we know it today came
into being around 1931. The term
pinball wasn't coined until 1936.
Thanks to Terry Cumming:
<terry.cumming@canrem.com>
for information.

Q: OK then, what was the first
game with FLIPPERS in it?

A: That would be Humpty
Dumpty by Gottlieb. The flippers
still weren't as we know them to-
day, though. They were really
small miniflippers, and there
were six of them. Not only that,
they were in the middle at differ-
ent levels and faced like this: \ /.
However, the pivot point was on
the bottom of the flipper, so you
worked your way up.

It wasn't until much later that
the flippers migrated down to
where they are now. The first
game to feature flippers at the
bottom of the layout was Triple
Action (Genco, January 1948),
which was designed by Williams’
Steve Kordek.

However, the flippers were
facing outward here. The first

PLAY METER

game with “normal” flippers was
probably Spot Bowler (Gottlieb,
1950).

The really small flippers used
on these games (about the size of
the Thing flipper on TAF) were
used almost exclusively on
games until around 1970.

Thanks to Terry Cumming
<terry.cumming@canrem.com)
for information. Thanks to Paul
Fernquist <pfern@technix.tech-
nix.mn.org) for information.

Q: What are electromechani-
cal games?

A: EMs, as they are affection-
ately called, are basically games
that have lots of wires, bells,
whistles, and (perhaps their
most distinctive feature) scoring
reels. I would say the name
refers to their basic nature of
electricity signaling certain
gears to move and change your
score or ring bells.

Q: What are
games?

A: Basically, anything that
came out after EMs died out. The
first solid-state game came out
around 1978. The most obvious
changes in these new machines
were the use of seven-segment
displays for score, and more
electronic-sounding noises
(computer-generated beeps and
boops).

Q: Aren’t Tri-Ball and M-Ball
really stupid names for Multi-
ball?

A: Multiball is a registered
trademark of Williams. As such,
they are the ones with the rights
to use it and can forbid other
people to use it. The company
actually sued Data East for using
it, so Data East started using the
infamous Tri-Ball in the middle
of the production run for LW3.
That’s why some LW3s say Multi-
ball and some say Tri-Ball. Every-
thing since has been Tri-Ball or
something other than Multiball.

Late breaking news: Starting
with Tales From the Crypt, Data

solid-state

117

East can now use multiball to its
heart’s content.

Q: Is there a list of all the pin-
ball games that have been
made?

A: Most of the solid-state
games that have been produced
are in a list in the archive. It is
called Lists/pinball. It is main-
tained by Rob Rosenhouse
<rob_rosenhouse@hq-bbs.wis-
dom.bubble.org>

There is also a more compre-
hensive list covering games ina
bit more detail from 1947 on up.
You can get information on the
guide itself or order it from:
Daina Pettit, 4805 Marabow Cir-
cle, Salt Lake City, UT 84117;
phone (801) 277-6296.

Q: What manufacturers have
died off over the years?

A: There was Chicago Coin
(which later became Stern),
Game Plan, Zaccaria (an Italian
manufacturer), Atari (which put
out the biggest pin, Hercules,
with the pinball being roughly
the size of a cue ball!), and sup-
posedly even Sega had a brief
pinball stint.

On March 5, 1994, Alvin G. and
Co., which had been in business
for less than three years, closed
its doors as well. A few compa-
nies also produced one or two
games that I haven't bothered to
list here. Capcom (of the Street
Fighter II video game series
fame) is supposedly starting up a
pinball division. Nothing from
them yet, though.

Thanks to Lyman Sheats, Jr.
<lyman@chinet.com> for infor-
mation.

SECTION 7: Specific Game FAQs

NOTE: All of these questions
are covered in their respective
rules sheets (I think!). However,
they still come up so often that
we think they warrant a space in
the DFAQ.

Q: What is the four-way combo
in TAF?

A: Shoot the Bear Kick ramp,

FEBRUARY 1995

TECHNICAL TOPICS

then the Advance X shot to the
upper right flipper, then the left
ramp, then the 5x Graveyard
(swamp) shot. Doing either the
first three or last three of these
gets you a three-way combo.

Q: Why is/isn’t there a rubber
band in my TZ?

A: The rubber band in the jet
bumpers was removed during
the production run. Starting at
the IFPA ‘93 tournament (L-3
ROMs), games no longer had the
rubber band in there. Though it
protected the ball from left
drains very nicely, balls coming
from the Powerfield would tend
to bounce of the band into the
center drain! The latter was
deemed worse than the former,
so out it came.

Any game that shipped with L-
3 roms and later does not have
the rubber band in it. Some pro-
totype machines may have new-
er ROMs in it, which would ex-
plain why your machine (with,
say, L-4 ROMs) has the rubber
band.

Q: What are the songs used in
CFTBL?

A: The game plays three out of
a possible five every day. The five
songs are: “Get a Job” (Silhou-
ettes), “Summertime Blues” (Ed-
die Cochran), “Rock Around the
Clock” (Bill Haley and the
Comets), “Hand Jive” (Johnny
Otis), “Red River Rock” (Johnny
and the Hurricanes).

Thanks to the readers of
alt.rock-n-roll.oldies for a couple
of groups.

Q: Are there really secret flip-
per combinations in games?

A: Yep. We currently only
know of ones in Williams/Bally
games. The following steps de-
scribe what you can try to do.
Most of them work only in the at-
tract mode with no credits since
you have to use the start button
(therefore, free play is also out of
the question). Also, it is best to do
them right after a game, slam

PLAY METER

tilt, or power-cycle.

L = left flipper, R = right flip-
per, S = start button, B = both flip-
pers. Anumber in front indicates
hit the button that many times.

TAF - 7L S 14R S 20L S = cows
13LS 1RS 2LS =credits

TAFG - same as above, PLUS
12LS5RS 4LS =new cows

White water -3LS 15RS23LS
= COWS

STTNG -B8LR5LR5SLR6L2R
= Steve Ritchie games (works
during normal play as well)

Dr*c*l* - When he crosses his
eyes, hit the start (or launch) but-
ton.

SECTION 9: Pinball and Your Health

Q: Can I really get injured just
by playing pinball?

A: It’s possible. If you play for
long periods of time often, then
you can develop RSIs (repetitive
strain injuries) and even CTS
(carpal tunnel syndrome). It is
not unlike conditions developed
by typists and chicken cutters. (If
you don’t know what I’m talking
about, don’t worry.)

Thanks to Michael Field
<field@cae.wisc.edu> for sug-
gesting this section.

Q: So how do I know if I’m get-
ting CTS?

A: From a simple test you can
do by yourself (or with a friend’s
help). With the suspect hand,
hold your thumb and pinky to-
gether as tightly as you can. With
your other hand (or have your
friend do it), use the index finger
to try and break the hold of your
thumb and pinky.

When your hands are healthy,
it will be extremely difficult to
break the hold. One of the first
signs of CTS, though, is that this
hold is extremely weak (so much
so that asmall child could proba-
bly break the hold as well).

This doesn’t mean that you
have CTS. What it does mean is
that if you continue the activity
causing the pain (and sometimes
numbness) in your hand, you are

118

at high risk of getting CTS, and
should immediately take steps to
avoid it.

As noted above, using padded
gloves while you play seems to
do the trick. People may laugh or
make comments to you, but hey,
they’re your hands and youd
probably like to keep the use of
them, right? Thanks to Dave
Stewart <dstewart+@cmu.edu>
for information.

The list of contributors:

e Keith Johnson
<keefer@rahul.net>

e Kevin Martin
<sigma@rahul.net>

e Steve Baumgarten
<sbb@panix.com>

e David Byers
<byers@lysator.liu.se>

e Terry Cumming
<terry.cumming@
canrem.com>

e Brent Earl
<earl@rtsg.mot.com>

e Paul Fernquist
<pfern@technix.
technix.mn.org>

e Michael Field
<field@cae.wisc.edu>

e Dave Hollinsworth
<hlsw_ltd@uhura.
cc.rochester.edu>

e Scott Piehler
<rosco29@mindspring.com>

e Lyman Sheats Jr.
<lyman@chinet.com>

e Dave Stewart
<dstewart+@cmu.edu>

e Bill Ung
<ung@filenet.com>
e Frank Wang
<fwang@sbcs.sunysb.edu>
Minor corrections/additions:
e Todd McCarty
<astjm@acad3.alaska.edu>

e Johannes Gronvall
<joha@nic.funet.edu>

e Chris Hehman
<heheman@csu
grad.cs.vt.edu>

e David Smith
<maa036@lancaster.ac.uk>.

FEBRUARY 1995

EMT introduces a deli-
cious new kiddie ride, the
Kid Burger (230-KB), sure
to satisfy the appetite of
operators and young cus-
tomers alike.

The Kid Burger fea-
tures the likeness ofa
real hamburger, com-
plete with ketchup,
cheese, and pickles, with
a comfortable seat for its
riders.

A back-and-forth mo-
tion and cheery music
are certain to provide an
entertaining experience

PLAY METER

for young children. The
Kid Burger also features
the overbuilt mechanics
of EMT Kiddie Rides,
which assure a long-last-
ing operating life.

In addition, the sturdy
frame, built-in casters,
and rollerjack provide
ease of transport.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact EMT, 1168 Tower
Lane, Bensenville, IL
60106; (708) 860-5100; FAX
(708) 860-5144.

WHAT'S NEW

Kid Burger

Namco announces the
kick off of Tekken, the
newest in fighting games,
utilizing state-of-the-art
technology to offer realis-
tic movements that mir-
ror true martial arts.

At the heart of
Tekken’s features is Nam-
co's System 11, a high-
performance, low-cost
hardware system that
renders an unparalleled
look of realism through
the use of 3-D textured
polygons with Gourand
shading.

Tekken is on the cut-
ting edge of coin-op tech-
nology, utilizing the
graphics driver board
from the soon-to-be-re-
leased SONY playstation.

The game also uses a
new control function al-
gorithm that allows play-
ers to punch and kick
with each arm and leg in-
dividually. Other fea-
tures, including different

119

fighting tactics and rules,
a plethora of original
movements, and new en-
counters each game,
make Tekken more than
the traditional five- or
six-button fighting game.

Tekken 's attractive
cabinet design, display-
ing images of the game’s
characters on each side,
also features an er-
gonomically designed
control panel and an an-
gled monitor for an unob-
structed view of game
play. The cabinet is kit
ready and uses a 27”
monitor that allows for
easy conversion in the fu-
ture. A front access PCB
panel also facilitates ser-
vice and conversion.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact Namco-America
(sales office), 877 Su-
preme Dr., Bensenville,
IL 60106; (708) 238-2248;
FAX (708) 238-9333.

FEBRUARY 1995

WHAT'S NEW

Hollywood Cash Cube WANG dfele| (aa lel—t

Fun Industries an-
nounces the recent addi-
tion of the Hollywood
Cash Cube to its growing
line of amusement
games. Like the popular
Cash Cube Money Ma-
chine, the Hollywood ver-
sion is a promotional ma-
chine that blows money
or coupons around inside
a Clear booth.

The goal for partici-
pants is to catch as many
flying bills or coupons as
possible in the allotted
time. Features of the Hol-
lywood version include
solid oak corner posts
and an all-oak top fitted
out with casino lighting.

A special halogen light

PLAY METER

shines on the participant,
and the top of the cube
has a built-in message
board that can scroll
messages in any lan-
guage and several colors.

The machine also
boasts plush carpeting, a
three-speed blower, elec-
tronic timing, and an au-
tomatic on/off attract
mode. The cube sets up
without tools; all the com-
ponents slide together on
tracks.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact Fun Industries
Inc., 627 15th Ave., East
Moline, IL 61244; (800)
747-1144 and (309) 755-
5021; FAX (309) 755-1684.

Old Red
No. 1

Bucky The
jr. Bronco

LAI offers a new line of
kiddie rides that are ide-
al for smaller indoor loca-
tions and deliver continu-
ous revenue for vending
and street operators.

All the rides feature an
all-metal fabricated
frame built to last, a top
quality belt-driven mech-
anism that assures quiet
operation, an oil-lite
bearing system guaran-
teeing lifetime lubrica-
tion, and a gel-coated
fiberglass body ensuring
rugged and dependable
use.

Rides include Old Red
No. 1, a fire truck ride;

120

Danny The
Dinosaur

The Army
Shuttle

Danny the Dinosaur, a
gentle dino character
ride; Bucky the Jr. Bronco
for young cowboys and
cowgirls, and the Army
Shuttle, a futuristic ride
vehicle.

The rides come ina
wide range of colors and
are equipped with au-
thentic sound units for
the enjoyment of riders.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact the LAI Group,
7251 Garden Grove Blvd.,
Suite M, Garden Grove,
CA 92641; (800) 422-2866
and (714) 373-2993; FAX
714-373-2998.

FEBRUARY 1995

WHAT'S NEW

sunset skillstop

IND NTI) SLIT RS

BWB introduces the
Sunset Skillstop, a brand
new amusement machine
designed specifically for
the U.S. redemption mar-
ket.

While the outward ap-
pearance may be that ofa
traditional slot machine,
the game is one of skill in
which players attempt to
stop the individual spin-
ning reels so they each
come to a halt on the
same symbol.

The hardware and
software are well-proven
and ultra-reliable, a
product of one of Eu-
rope’s leading manufac-
turers.

Sunset can accept ei-
ther coins or tokens, with
the option of a bill valida-
tor also available. Pay-
outs can come in either
tickets or tokens, and

PLAY METER

both the value of tickets
or tokens and the per-
centage of payout is ad-
justable.

Other features include
electromechanical and
electronic accountability,
CD quality sound effects,
superb graphics with dig-
ital displays for player
communication, high
quality cabinet construc-
tion, and a double locked
cashbox.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact BWB Newark
Limited, Welbeck House,
Cliff Nook Lane, Newark,
Nottinghamshire, Eng-
land NG24 1LY; 011 44
1636 707000; FAX 011 44
1636 702758. In the U.S.
contact Don G. Tunstall
(USA sales manager) at
(407) 578-1238.

Namco introduces Ace
Driver, a formula-style
racing game that features
3-D, texture-mapped,
polygon graphics.

The game offers differ-
ing levels of play, from
the warm-up of the
Novice Class to the toe-
curling competition of
the Pro Class. Technolog-
ical innovations have tak-
en feedback steering a
step further, increasing in
difficulty depending on
the class selected.

Ace Driver also offers
the side-to-side action of
the deluxe seat. This sim-
ulates the sensation ofa
high-powered race
through both straight-
aways and hairpin turns.
The seat throws the play-
er right or left depending

121

on the direction of the
turn.

Such feedback keeps
player adrenaline pump-
ing while they attempt to
maintain control at simu-
lated speeds of 175 mph.

The two-player version
consists of a cabinet with
two 29” monitors and two
luxury drivers’ seats.
Spectators can clearly
see which car is in first
place by viewing two dis-
play boards on either side
of the marquee.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact Namco-America
(Sales Office), 877
Supreme Drive,
Bensenville, IL 60196;
(708) 238-2248; FAX (708)
238-9333.

FEBRUARY 1995

WHAT'S NEW

Kool Kandy Shaq Attack

LSA announces the
Kool Kandy high-style
snack and drink vending
machine that blends per-
fectly with modern office
decor yet delivers in the
tough temperature con-
ditions found in factories,
plants, and garages.

Kool Kandy maintains
a temperature of 60-70
degrees in the 18-selec-
tion upper section, which
can hold up to 213 snacks.
A temperature of 41 de-
grees is simultaneously
maintained in the lower
five-selection soda/juice
area, which holds up to
175 items.

The unit’s frost-free re-
frigeration uses environ-
mentally safe R134A re-
frigerant, and will not

PLAY METER

require future modifica-
tion.

Kool Kandy is made of
18 gauge steel, all welded
construction, with ther-
mally insulated Lexan
windows. Dimensions are
30” wide x 22” deep x 64”
high.

The machine uses a
durable all-metal coin
mechanism, and item
pricing is operator-ad-
justable up to $1.25 per
item.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact Life System Asso-
ciates Inc., 1380 W. Mc-
Nab, Suite B, Fort Laud-
erdale, FL 33309; (305)
971-8936; FAX (305) 979-
3594.

Premier Technology
introduces its newest
Gottlieb title, Shag At-
tack, which allows pinball
players to become bas-
ketball giants.

The game draws on the
likeness and energy of 23-
year-old international
basketball icon Shaquille
O’Neal for its earning
power.

Shag Attack is de-
signed to give players all
the action of real-live bas-
ketball. Under the dome
on the upper playfield is
an actual moving basket.
Players time the ramp
shots which send the ball
airborne and through the
target, getting a crowd

122

roar in response.

Players are challenged
to a game of horse, a free-
throw match, and other
basketball favorites. Sus-
pense is provided by the
game's shot clock.

Premier has brought
together the same team
that produced Freddy
Krueger and Rescue 911
to develop Shag Attack.
The game was unveiled in
December with O’Neal in
attendance.

For more information,
or distributor referral,
contact Premier Technol-
ogy, 759 Industrial Drive,
Bensenville, IL 60106;
(708) 350-0400; FAX (708)
350-1097.

FEBRUARY 1995

WHAT'S NEW

ole Mule. <=jmel i) el-lahicle

Two-Bit Score intro-
duces its new Yogi board,
which allows operators to
install a standard Del-
tronic ticket dispenser
into any adult video
game, including pokers,
8-lines, and bingos.

This tiny computer
hooks to the in and out
meters. When a player
hits the payout button,
the computer ensures
that the correct number
of tickets is dispensed.

The number of credits
can be adjusted from one
to 80 per ticket. Any un-
used credits are returned
to the game screen.

When dispensing tick-

E4B counter

ENM introduces its
new seven-digit E4B
counter designed to use
on PC boards and all oth-
er mountings.

The counter’s features
include tamper-proof de-
sign, seven digit range,
high-impact plastic case,
low cost, standard DC/AC
voltages, and ULand CSA
recognition. The counter
is interchangeable with

PLAY METER

ets, the Yogi board dis-
ables the in meter and
pauses after the first re-
turned credit to allow the
screen to update. Dis-
pensing tickets in this
fashion allows operators
to keep control of their
receipts; the location
should have one ticket to
justify each payout.

The board also allows
operators to use pokers
and 8-lines in their re-
demption operation.

For more information,
contact Two-Bit Score
Amusements, 4418 Pack
Saddle Pass, Austin, TX
78745; (512) 447-8888; FAX
(512) 446-8895.

other popular counters.

Count life is 10 million
DC and two million AC,
and the counter can be
operated in temperatures
ranging from -25 to +60
degrees C.

For more information,
contact ENM Company,
5617 Northwest Highway,
Chicago, IL 60646-6135;
(312) 775-8400; FAX (312)
775-5968.

~
‘
a
a ©
~
™
~A,

?\ Bp
Se:
0.

Oe) aia ge) imer-he-|lele

SIGUINGS JINGULIII 10 WIURLIVANNUN

Happ Controls has
published its newest and
largest catalog. This 1995
catalog consists of 56
pages of products for the
amusement and gaming
industry in a user-friend-
ly format.

New and standard
products include joy-
sticks, pushbuttons,
trackballs, driving con-

trols, meters, coin doors,
bill acceptor doors, elec-
tronic coin acceptors,
power supplies, and pin-
ball parts.

To receive a free copy
of the new catalog, con-
tact Happ Controls Inc.,
106 Garlisch Drive, Elk
Grove, IL 60007; (708) 593-
6130 or (800) 593-4277;
FAX (708) 593-6137.

Virtual reality software

Clarus AB and Para-
digm Simulation an-
nounce the release of
Vega-VR Peripheral and
Vega-Drive, two new soft-
ware products providing
easy-to-use environments
for building virtual reality,
simulation, and other
real-time visualization ap-
plications for use on Sili-
con Graphics computers.

Vega-VR Peripheral is
an application-specific
module in Paradigm Sim-
ulation’s Vega family of vi-
sual and audio products.
It provides an easy-to-use
interface for commercial
tracking systems, gloves,
and head mounted dis-
plays.

Vega’s LynX interface
offers immediate access
to various parameters of
the device, including

ga:

gloves, 6D mice, and 3D
joysticks.

Vega-Drive module is
an application that pro-
vides next generation in-
tegrated environments
for use in driving simula-
tions. The interface offers
immediate access to vari-
ous parameters such as
gravity, wheel friction,
wind resistance, and cen-
tripetal forces.

The module can also be
used to develop such fac-
tors as driver interaction
with the steering wheel,
throttle, brake pedal,
clutch, and gear sticks.

For more information,
contact Paradigm Simu-
lations Inc., 151280 Addi-
son Road, Suite 360, Dal-
las, TX 75248; (214)
960-2301; FAX (214) 960-
2303.

FEBRUARY 1995

WHAT'S NEW

Amusement software

package

Software At Work pre-
sents an amusement soft-
ware package that can
produce smoother opera-
tions, reduced costs, and
more control.

The various modules of
the software package en-
able business owners to
keep track of the minute-
to-minute pulse of their
business, and the system
is designed to pay for it-
self within the first year.

Software system mod-

ules can track employee
work hours, scheduling,
credit card transactions,
games, inventory, sales
trends, price changes, re-
ceipts, tax reports, cus-
tomer visits, and much
more.

For more information,
contact Software At
Work, 2443 Reservation
Road, Gulf Breeze, FL
32561; (904) 932-4214 or
(904) 934-9797.

Cashless payment system

IPS has developed a
new cashless payment sys-
tem tailored for small- to
medium-sized casinos. The
system carries the three
most important features
for any casino: cashless wa-
gering, slot machine ac-
countability, and player
tracking information.

The new gaming sys-
tem requires only a mini-
mum of hardware to op-
erate, adding to its
cost-effective benefits.

By eliminating cash
handling, the system

IPS

CARD
RETURN

makes gaming transac-
tions much easier and
provides management
with full cash account-
ability.

At the heart of the IPS
system is the cashless card
or debit card. The card
holds monetary value, and
winnings or losses are au-
tomatically encoded.

For more information
contact International
Payment Systems, 5946
Plantation Drive, Hills-
boro, MO 63050; (314) 789-
2866; FAX (314) 789-2899.

STRIPE DOWN |

PLAY METER

Advanced Graphics
recently added three new
characters to its line of li-
censed life-size standups.
The additions are Saban’s
White Power Ranger,
George Burns, and
Lorenzo Lamas from the
hit show “Renegade.”

Standups currently in
production include Cap-
tain Picard, Lt. Worf,
Counselor Troi, Dr. So-
ran, and the Klingon sis-
ters Lursa and B’Tor from
the recent “Star Trek:
Generations.”

Superman and anoth-
er Saban hit show, “VR
Troopers,” will also be

124

Universal cabinet

Sunsoft announces its
universal 18-inch coin-op
game cabinet.

The product’s compact
design and easy installa-
tion make this cabinet
ideal for toy stores, retail
stores, and supermar-
kets.

Attractive design and
small space require-
ments will complement
any environment, and the
JAMMA corresponding
harness allows the at-
tachment of game kits.

For more information
contact Sun Corp. of
America, 11165 Knott
Ave., Cypress, CA 90630;
(714) 891-4500; FAX (714)
892-0150.

joining the family of
standups.

Additionally, Ad-
vanced Graphics has
completed work and has
shipped Jim Carey from
“The Mask,” as well as
“Gone With the Wind”
and “The Wizard of Oz”
standups.

Other new additions
include Olive and Brutus,
the Flintstones, and the
Jetsons.

For more information,
contact Advanced
Graphics, 941 Garcia
Ave., Pittsburg, CA 94565;
(510) 432-2262; FAX (510)
432-9259. A

FEBRUARY 1995

CLASSIFIED

Play Meter’s classified advertising is primarily intended for: buyers and sellers of used equipment, support
and supply firms and employment opportunity ads. You may pay by check, money order, Visa or Mastercard.
The deadline is usually the 15th of the month prior to issue (example: August ad must be in by July 15). Send
ad orders to Play Meter Magazine / P.O. Box 24970 / New Orleans, LA 70184 or FAX: (504) 488-7083.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT CAROL LEA: (504) 488-7003
If you have problems with or questions about any advertiser, PLEASE CONTACT US. We keep a file on all
complaints.

oR b e da” READERS/ REVOLUTIONARY
ee oul ADVERTISERS NEW PATENT TOOL!
your old We do not knowingly accept Hasid Pixstawes
ads for copies or licensed PATENT IT
KLOPP. Se involving a third party. DRE YOURSELF
e do not print prices on TSE | SOFTWARE
at the factory games currently in production. ‘i #1 Developed by Nolo Press & EDS
MANUAL y We encourage advertisers to in-
geet ” ae clude their name, address, and eee
re e an 11e a ie
phone/FAX numbers for the U.S. patent seticaiiia i a mete
purpose of credibility. We do Fy nies ao
not accept ads from companies aa ee
who consistently advertise pro- “af pelea ie monsee
ducts they do not have or from wwiGwae
Fast oon ae — Call For 7 Laiaile companies that we receive e Context-sensitive, online legal

“a ‘ and program help.
mutli complaints about. SITE LICENSES AVAILABLE.

CALL (813) 85 5-6789 PL AY M ET E R To order or for more information:

KLOPP INTERNATIONAL, INC.

225 Dunbar Court — Oldsmar, FL 34677 MAGAZINE 219-256-1138 Ea

: ot ay

, 3 2 £2 og as eet

We:ship coin- ‘op locks

and accessories fast.

HM Integrated production and assembly

LAI's Locks can be ordered to

operate on your current key Codes

since, LAl's Locks are compatible a ae

with most High security, as well as, 1 i 4 Panel Guard
Tubular type system, ie: Baton, ESD,
KD, Ace, etc.

Choice of custom locks, common key
systems or restricted key styles 7 P sinh Security Potieck
Manufacturer of a complete line of doo] il - inside Protective Shield
coin-op security accessories.
Manufacturer of security products
for laundry; also, bill and coin
counting equipment.

For a full-color product catalog, call Toll Free from
USA, Canada and Mexico:

1(800) 422-2866

7251 Garden Grove Bivd., Suite M
Garden Grove, California 92641
Phone: (714) 373-2993

re Rp nm tp. FAX:(714) 373-2998 —
GROUP (714) Full Metal Jacket

PLAY METER 125 FEBRUARY 1995

PERETTI DESDE LEI OTT PO POP OO EERO LP OOTP CIPRO ERLE IO OEP ET EOIN LEE EERE ERE OO EIR PIPE PE ES DOLOMITE PEELE PEI OT OTE EOP LE EERE SEP EBIEEELE ERENCE PEPE IRCCS EEO ROREE BEBE PORES EEO PPO L ED CREEK EEE EEE OIROR EAE LEE REESE OEE OOOO ECL POLE O SE OSE RARE BE LEE SEAEEERE POSER ROLE g BELEN LE RES LIOR ORE IEEE SI,

[] Advanced User- Configuration System

- Validation Numbers

- Enter Location Name, Address, City, etc... seh
- Multiple User Information Fields

- Information Can Be User Modified

Dual Copy Printer For Accurate Reports
- Duplicate copy for your records
- Dual color print.

[] Works With Wide Range Of Equipment

- Eight-lines, Pokers, etc....
- SkeeBalls, Redemption Games

=
—

[] Accounting Capabilities

- Retains Cash-Flow Values (6 1 5) 890- 1 3 54

- Audit Printout Feature
- Last Ticket(s) Printed Feature

Reliable Operati i : £ Hi
aye Ean or inrormatrion

- Single Power Supply

—
—

LOALO CHESTERFIELD DRIVE
MURFREESBORO. IN 838713Q0O
CGO1Dp) BYI0-13 5-41

DOES MA BELL HAVE YOU
BY THE CALLS ?

Get A
Quarter
Everytime
Someone
Uses The
Phone.

If you have considered your phone costs a headache,
experience the cure 100,000 American businesses have discovered.
IDEAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS - DON'T DELAY - CALL TODAY !
G-TEL ENTERPRISES INC. 713-550-5592

ORDERDRECT

from “The Factory’ —The Component Factory

Now there is ONE source for We stock JCM bill acceptors — Come to TCF for service too.
your coin-op entertainment the finest; Wells-Gardner We specialize in quality factory
components — bill acceptors, monitors and a full range of repair. We’re an authorized
power supplies, game boards, game boards and power supplies JCM service center. You'll be
monitors and more. TCF sells all at direct savings to you! surprised at our quick

it all — for less! turnaround.

TCF 15 Amp
Switching ;
Power Supplies i Be:

_ aa
ts '

¢ Maximize Your Choice
Wide selection of components

¢ Maximize Reliability

We sell only the best

Wells-Gardner
Monitors

¢ Minimize Downtime
We offer quality, competent repairs

etre.

¢ Minimize Problems
Buy only the best from TCF

Petes

“The Best for Less,

Every Day” - . SS < >:
Game Boards and Kits (ae. <a
Call for prices that ; ; : ee
will astound you!
O Jcm

The Component Factory carries the
complete line of JCM Bill Acceptors. |
We are a factory authorized service | ¥

center for your JCM products. * ¥F

“* BILLS
epTs" :
fee cE UP ONLY

‘ a
|
cat FACEYP |
mseat ONLY
=
_ me ;

CR ate
E—
mBiLLs ONty

Call Xaviar Bridgetti Today! Ty Ls

600-517-7711

705 General Washington Ave. (Rear), Suite 506 - Norristown, PA 19403 THE COMPONENT

FACTORY, INC.

ARE YOU
HAVING THE 1-BET BEATING PROBLEM
WITH YOUR CHERRY GAMES???

WE HAVE A SIMPLE CHIP CHANGE
SOLUTION!

1-800-659-1999
SOUTHLAND DISTRIBUTING |

(1611 CASTLEHAYNERD. ——-
_ WILMINGTON, NC 28401 is

VIDEO GAMES * PINBALL MACHINES * JUKE BOXES * DARTS
KIDDIE RIDES * POOL TABLES * REDEMPTION GAMES

RUGEON

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1995 11:00 A.M.
Radcliff/Ft. Knox, Kentucky

TERMS: full payment day of auction - cash, cashiers check, or company check with bank letter of credit.
*Equipment may be checked in Friday from 12:00 Noon til 10:00 P.M. or Saturday from 8:00 A.M. til 10:00 A.M.

James E. Bramblett
Call Auctioneer

1-800-624-1782 Curtis Hardin

Amusement Specialist

Office 502-769-1655 ° Fax 502-765-2238
Nights 502-737-4328

PLAY METER 128 FEBRUARY 1995

U.S. MODELS
AVAILABLE FOR THE
FOLLOWING
CONFIGURATIONS:

IMONEX*

NEW

UNDERSIZE TOKEN

QUARTER AND
UNDERSIZE TOKEN

QUARTER ONLY

QUARTER AND
OVERSIZE TOKEN

OVERSIZE TOKENS
FOREIGN COINS

AVAILABLE -- CALL
FOR DETAILS

ADAPTS TO A VARIETY OF MACHINES:

- ARCADE AND VIDEO GAMES - CAR WASHES,
- PINBALL - KIDDIE RIDES
AND MORE
FOR EXCEPTIONAL SAVINGS

ON SERVICE AND
EQUIPMENT DOWNTIME

CALL
1-800-446-2719

Coin Validating Equipment

TIRED OF COIN RELATED SERVICE CALLS?
INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST COIN ACCEPTOR

FOR THE ARCADE AND VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY

THAT PROCESSES BENT OR DAMAGED COINS
WITHOUT ELECTRONICS OR CRADLES

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS

SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE
SERVICE CALLS AND
MACHINE DOWNTIME.

MAINTENANCE NOT
REQUIRED WITH IMONEX
ACCEPTORS. SAVE THE
TIME AND MONEY SPENT
SWAPPING OUT, THEN
REPAIRING AND CLEANING
ROCKERS AND CRADLES.

REPLACES MECHANICAL
COIN ACCEPTOR.

INCREASE REVENUE BY
REDUCING MACHINE
DOWNTIME!

REDUCE CUSTOMER
COMPLAINTS AND
VANDALISM.

RELIABLE - NO MOVING
PARTS OR ELECTRICAL
REQUIREMENTS.

CONTACT IMONEX
OR YOUR
DISTRIBUTOR

P.O. BOX 519

KATY, TX 77492-0519
PH. (713) 391-4704
FAX (713) 391-4239

FOR QUALITY PRODUCTS
AND LOW PRICES .

COMPLETE CALL TODAY!
GAMES
STARTING AT
$1100.00

DEBIT CARD
VENDING UNITS S.E.D. INC.
1651 South Batesville Road
Greer, South Carolina 29651
(803) 234-4901
(800) 362-1187

Monitors
M3400 14” Monitor Base Mount Frame Design
M{5100 19° Monitor Face Mount Frame Design
A15900 (Euro) 25” Monitor Face Mount Frame Design
\16300 25 © Monitor Face Mount Frame Design
“New Auto-Sync Circuitry” on all models!
14° & (Euro)25” No Isolation Transformer Needed!

Other Models Available!

C1000 Upgrade Chassis Replaces * Electrohome GO" 19°”

Replaces * Disco ADI 19”
C]002 Upgrade Chassis Replaces * Hantarex MTC 9000
CJ003 Upgrade Chassis Replaces * Wells Gardner 49k Series
C1004 Upgrade Chassis Replaces * Wells Gardner 79k Series
(5001 Upgrade Chassis Replaces * Wells Gardner 71k Series
*Klectrohome, Hantarex, Wells Gardner are names and trademarks of
their respective corporations. *

NE
"AUTOS. ww . ®
CIRCY, NC" 1 Year Limited Warranty

BOARDS
GALORE!
NEW & USED!
POKERS
CHERRY’S
W-7
BLACK JACK

DEBIT CARD
VENDING UNITS

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY

PRO
MAX

MAXIMUM SERVICE

PS100 Switching Power Supply
DC Output Voltage
+5 volts 15 Amp
-5 volts 1 Amp
+J2 volts 2.5 Amp
Dimension:6 1/2" x 5° x 2”

e Phone: 800-800-3946
e Phone: 214-721-0258
e Fax: 214-721-0363

Monitor Manufacture & Milk Cap Source!

PLAY METER 130

FEBRUARY 1995

CGi Manufacturing & Distributing

Se Yani
span

(a California Games, Inc. Company)
1235 E. Francis, Ontario, CA 91761

Se Mabie
Spa No /

(909) 930-5828 Fax: 909-629-4090

BEST BUY THIS MONTH!!! - NEO GEO 1-Slot/includes Aero Fighter 2...$599

25" VIDEO GAMES

(Shopped Out)
Dark Stalker .......0..eec00eu: 1495
Alien Vs. Predator ............. 1495
NERA ecccxceeekiry eh ooo 40 ES 1295
LTO GON 6 be erk ed vevoween es 1495
Sunset Rider ................. 1095
PAID oh et 50 waeha «aed parade 1095
Dungeons & Dragons .......... 1450
WONG FQUY ics ace ad ince demaws 1595
33" Complete Video Games
(NEW)
Mortal Kombat Il .............. CALL
DAK SIGNED oh kciwayeun sux dcon 2145
Dungeons & Dragons .......... 2145
Alien Vs. Predator ............. 2395
Neo Geo/Aero Fighter2 ........ 1945
BIOGO BIOS. x asccc wiwed ee wes we 1595
FAGICG: ons bites cane ede a cee 1645
X-Men 2 ...... 0. cee eee CALL
Armored Warriors ............. 2095

WE ARE WHEELIN’ & DEALIN'!!!
IF THERE'S A WAY TO MAKE A
DEAL...WE’LL FIND IT!

52% Discount on Shipping
Anywhere in the
United States

We have the very best prices!
After you have called every-
one else, call us!

Call for PCB & Kit Prices

NEW & USED
PINBALLS

SELL ¢ SERVICE « TRADE

WE TAKE TRADE-INS
Why not trade in your old pinballs
and PCBs?
We have financing for you!!

Turbo Cabinets in
13”, 19" 27", 33" & 38”

COMPLETE 25” TURBO
SYSTEM CABINET SPECIALS

895.

THE ABSOLUTE
BRIGHTEST
COLOR & BEST
PICTURE
AROUND!!!
New 4-Player
Cabinet - $995

Available In:
Red, Black,
Blue, Gray

1YR.PARTS
& LABOR

The “CGI TURBO” Cabinet

AFTER YOU'VE TRIED THE OTHER
CABINETS, GET A REAL CABINET!
BUY A CGI-TURBO TODAY!!

FINANCING AVAILABLE!

WE TAKE TRADE-INS
NATIONWIDE FINANCING

CGI-TURBO SYSTEM CABINETS
CGI-25 25" 2-PLAYER .......... $895
CGI-25 25” DELUXE ............. 995
CGI-33 33” SYSTEM CABINET ... .1395
CGI-38 38” PEDESTAL CABINET . .2250

CGI-CT 25" COCKTAIL TABLE ..... 795
CGI-MC 25” MINI CABINET ....... 850
CGI-BT 15" BAR TOP ............ 595

NEO GEO SYSTEMS

ob! ait eideeepussomrerans ea $400.00
2 OUT AD sace cecinatansencenns 695.00
MN, 454024 eackseronsganaernwes 799.00

W/GRAPHICS ADD ............. 30.00
1-SLOT/SAMURAI SHODOWN II... .CALL
1-SLOT/Bust-A-Mole/Puzzle Bobble .775.00
1-SLOT/AERO FIGHTERII........ 599.99

CALL FOR TODAYS COMBO DEAL!
NEO GEO CARTRIDGES
Bust-A-Mole/Puzzle Bobble
Samurai Shodown Il............... WOW
Samual SHOUOW «isc ease cavewe sas $100
Kind oF Fighters 94 5c. cscssaceces oawe 275
AGO FIONG! Ul. csc enziv ne shaver wsws 205
Super Sidekicks Il ......c.000ccaaees 245
WOOMUMO! 665 covisdeacandeasarawes 245
WING GAINING? v5.5 Ghee see Renee aan 195
WONG TIGISES JO 6 isc cdess passion es 170
Karnovs Revenge ................+. 150
Top Players GOM eaccscedaenased acces 140
SDIUMESICN « ¢ aviwe daneued na cee eans 130
PHO FIOM vas etcanie c¥teste caus ers 130
PUZEIED picts (Rin kieeeyeyes koa keaa 130
SuUpO! SIGS KICKS. | av csceseseccad es 130
Nita COMMANGG «ou 4.6 ssecadie eevee 45
BUTI FIGHT. s6ssccawanwescw ee eGd cares 45
NINAGCOMDOL vscakaddinseuwdowlekr es ns 45
CIOSEEO SWOI bis cera kcn yeaa exneens 45
RDG LID: riendeddiade ss yack sade wae 45
NAMES xk o0cercduntee de eeee ners mers 45
IQUE: ecancdnia gays deem rae ee sand 45
PEO! FIGMNG oii anew nce xen de ee awe 45
Pa TU ons ottawaceves tage any need 45
FRU May cisansaweoaeeneeeweeme 45
VUIEUONINGUONM 4 ka. iukcdedeeikeacewen 45
Watch This Ad
New Type of Equipment

Coming Soon For The
Street Location Operator

S$$S$$

POGS « POGS ePOGS
New “POQ’ Pre-Packs

For Your Cranes!!
Double Your Income
*OJ. SLAMMERS *

ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND AVAILABILITY

PLAY METER

131

FEBRUARY 1995

micro distributors incorporated

"GRIPPIT-,Crane

GALAXY
Electronic Dart Machines

FEATURES
Adjustable FEATURES
ray 4 iw Displays Top Ten
Level Of Difficulty ow Location Players
Price Per Play i IW Patented Arachnid

Super Spider With
Square Entry Holes
And Thin Ribs.

OPTIONS lays Team Names
S Ww And Individual Names
ound During League Play.
Lighting Ww

Dollar Bill Acceptor I From ARACHNID

Imported From England

Full Line Of Dart |7=3 7 ;
Accessories (me High Quality Reasonably Priced
Point Of Purchase Steel Tip and Soft Tip
Displays Available Used By Some Of The Top
Professionals

Universal ‘MICRO MUSTANG’
Video Game Cabinet Pool Table

: cere FEATURES
FEATURES ne. A Sa (W 7’ Pool Table
25" Monitor ie 3 wai (W 3/4" One Piece Slate
2 Or 4 Player Coa ey MR fw Adjustable Pricing
Control Panels y Up 10 $1.00

Jamma Harness ( tw Magnetic Cue Ball

: e Piece Ball
Kit Ready : raf ile Fiege Ball
INCLUDES
4 Pool Sticks Ball Rack Belgian Balls

MICRO DISTRIBUTORS, INC. MLL 1-800-764-4276
P.O. BOX 1103 =] 3 gs

LaVergne, TN 37086

micro micro distributors inc. inc.

PLAY METER 132 FEBRUARY 1995

YOUR PROFITS WILL SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH

MIGRO MANUFACTURING, ING.

WE FLY HIGH ABOVE THE GOMPETYITION

MINI CABINETS | Cash Code DBAs ING GAMES
“Accepts $is5$10$20US. kill Chance (W-7} Bonus Chance (W8)
Mery Atraabio | RK Ly Gl Lacy S(t}
«Lucky Bingo Lucky Gin Lucky 75

FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT Lucky Bank (W- 17)
YOU MAGICAL ODDS 2
MAGICAL TONIC NEW FROM PAL

MAJOR POKER

FROM PAL

13° MINI

pARINETS

rerere
SOOO

TL - fr nee

: e ese Games
TICKET P RINTERS- |= Cie Are For Amusement Only.
Redemption Regulations In Many t > ict For Sale Or Use In States

*~_ Or Municipalities Where
= SN By Law.

Mere
ne er, EPROM , ITS =...
IF ; _ 7PR OGRAMMER AVAI EABLE =
= PLEXI, HARNESS, BOARD

Countertop Units

CHE E R RY PO KE R eee Of

S BUTTONS & MANUAL
| AFTER HOURS

8 LINE & POKE |. TECHNICAL SIGMA ENTERPRISES
ALL IN ONE LONE STAR DRAW SS SUPPORT All o ow 8- ait Bowes
Pz re Lover naer
(61 3) 862-9224 Sigma Patent # 34,244

Texas Redemption Gams

CA WE |! By Soon

cerenerenetes eatet anata

SC Wi mm OI

ea WM SE I

te TE BI I IS III IIE,

Perotcreteeteeh VU fe'srcrcerc eee Wap ee een ete eete es ee

mieten | featntetntarcentars” "WNintarerererererersterersrerereel

GOON, Beccererssncncann, |” SW Rigicrecececececececeses near -tn N

peatatatetat Neatarana Sahota ahaa tataetc

Ah RR RR CR Teg aaa WE oon es
Riacetereretarene retateneten Seeceieteceeterereeercre

COO
SON
KR,

935 OLD NASHVILLE HWY. LAVERGNE, IN 37086

(615) 793- wt Fax: ae -9912
1-800-277-

DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE

When was the last
time you bought quality
rides at
Great Prices?

Fire Truck Kropvie Rives & More Inc.

2739 W. 79 St. #10
Hialeah, FL 33016

1-800-676-0231 or

1-800-255-6559
Carnival Horse FAX (305) 558-5694

For More Information, Prices and a List of
Other Rides, Call Now!

en -Ask for David Vega- Ss
— Volume Discounts -_

Also: Used Rides, Parts & Refurbishing

Concept 2001 The Jolly Lion

—

~
P

2 SPECTACULAR AMUSEMENT

FEBRUARY 18 FULLERTON CALIFORNIA
2116 E. Walnut, Ave. #A, Fullerton, CA

FEBRUARY 25 SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA
UAW Hall #506, 2266 San Diego Ave. Old Town San Diego

CONSIGNMENTS WANTED FOR EACH AUCTION

TO CONSIGN GAMES FOR SALE, Bring to Auction Site Friday before the Sale from 10 AM - 9 PM. All Auctions are on
Saturday and begin at 10 AM Local Time with Inspection from 8 AM -10 AM.
Lic# A2609, 3% Surcharge for Visa & M/C. Payment in Full Day of Sale. 10% Premium to Hammer Price.
TERMS: Cash, Cashiers Check, Company Check with Current Bank Letter of Guarantee. Industry Related Seller's Permits
Required for Non-Taxable Purchases. All Equipment Must Be Removed by 10 PM the Day of the Sale. NO EXCEPTIONS.

CALL OUR 24 HOUR HOTLINES TO BE ADDED TO OUR NATIONAL MAILING LIST
CALIFORNIA 714-535-5353

(vec TEXAS 214-497-1677 "VISA
FLORIDA 813-273-8155 =

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SELL YOUR USED EQUIPMENT OR COMPLETE ARCADE OPERATION, CALL ONE OF OUR
REPRESENTATIVE FOR A FREE CONFIDENTIAL / NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

PLAY METER 134 FEBRUARY 1995

Wholesale Games, Inc.

Manufacturer & Distributor of
Coin-Operated Amusement Equipment

8-Lines--Jukeboxes--Pokers--Videos--Pinballs--etc.

Partial List of Used Equipment

New Equipment
~ NBA Jams/NBA 8-Lines e Pokers
>) Tournament Ed. (ded.) Cooper pool tables
Mortal Kombat | & II (ded.)

Lethal Enforcers

Valley e Rowe
Pistol Poker pinball (like new)

NSM ¢ Seeburg
Merit Riviera Poker 13” & 19” Merit * Tornado
NSM Performer Classic CD Dynamo
Slick Shot pool/video game (Midway) Killer Instinct
Relief Pitcher 25” Treasure Chest Candy Crane
Final Lap III upright Tekken (Namco)
Pool tables (all makes & models) Road Show (WMS)
Steel Gunner
Used Pokers 18 lines
& much more!!! Free Delivery!!
Call for Details
Cherry Master with dba + ticket dispenser Warranty onall games
starting at $1395 (upright or countertop)

Mae Weed MRED

vr =

—— ©" oe

Attn: Operators
We Will Not Sell To

Locations!!

wate] | el |e
. RG HLS Sp

--Our Most Important
| Ye Sag a Policy--

Toll Free: 1-800-526-4723
=e =—E6™W holesale Games, Inc. st
Bae EE Shelbyville, TN

Phone 615-685-0505 e« Fax 615-685-0144

We Gladly Accept Visa & Mastercard

PLAY METER 130

FEBRUARY 1995

GUARANTEED LIGHTING SPECIALISTS

TOP QUALITY LOCATIONS 9
; Manufacturers of Chase Channel, Halo- = L j N E
Licensed Nationwide & Canada gen Tape Light & Architectural Lighting.

NO MACHINE TOO LARGE Direct Importers: Rope Lights, Belt Light-
OR TOO SMALL ing, 24V Tapelight, Bendable Neon-Like i © \@= R
Rated #1 In the Vending Industry Products-Solid State & Mechanical

chasers. Bulbs all kinds. Quick Service
Siar All with dependable continuing interest in our Fe OA Fe Db S
ae ee Customers.
--REFERENCES--

‘Ne ACTION
NATIONWIDE LOCATING a LIGHTING, INC. 800-966-987 a4
305-739-1111 tog 800-248-0076

Toh Mote) mov Eta ci olit ce) ty, oe

132-10 Jamaica Ave. * Richmond Hill, NY 11418

Office & Sales: (718) 291-5757 ¢ Parts/Service (718) 526-8383 ¢ Fax: (718) 739-3805
Welcome Export Customers...Se Habla Espanol

UPRIGHTS: PINBALLS USED SITDOWNS/

Dark Stalker (Special Price) DELUXE VIDEOS
Cruisin USA ¢ Killer Instinct Freddy Krueger .............. NEW
Primal Rage * Revolution X Road House ................. NEW

New Daytona Twin s/d..... CALL

Virtua Fighting MAVGNO® vrcirceercksewtegeas NEW
Neo Geo 2 and 4 Slots Corvetté ..................... New | Lucky &Wild............... 3995
Mortal Kombat | & II Pi R PROCOE ose ose.osoc occ occ New | Outrunners ................ 8995
NBA Jam! & Ile Run & Gun ror

Terminator || Rescue 911 ala a: ee eel eee NEW & USED Race Drivin Cockpit a ee ee 3595
KITS Sg |) rae CALL | Ridge Racer Single 33” ..... CALL
Addams Family ............... 2195 | Star Blade 2695

Samauri Shodown II Twilight Zone ...............0- 1895 oe ee
Dark Stalker (complete/update kit) Tales From The Crypt.......... 2195 DES EASY UEP watcoss mite

Aliens Vs. Predators (complete/up- X-Men 6 player............. 1995

date kit) Creature From Black Lagoon. ..1995 t _ ‘Gir
INGO FING. .4ics baesccecaen
Great Thousand Mile Rally (kit) Jurassic POE kiehesiundasebas 2095
Krazy Bowl (kit) Terminator Il ................. 1fg0 | VIFWa MAC wcssavesauweees
SNK Aero Fighters II Cartridge FISN1AIGS veccxccceceiusnwedss 1595
SNK King of Fighters ‘94 Cartridge Que Ball Wizard .............. 1595
Double Eagle Golf * Neo-Geo ¢ Soli- el WANS: éisivnsiunnsaveseees 1595
taire
vague Ae Se re eee pen ‘BRAND NEW’
PCBs SCKDOUN. cichesscedcaveroe sc top earning

GYVECIONG scsxeenennancanadesaes 995

Primal Rage ................. CALL Candy Cranes

Dark Stalkers .................

Super Street Fighter Turbo ....... 995 id "

Super Street Fighter Turbo “B” Brand ...495 Bra nd New

Punisher ............0ccc cee ee. 395 Cabinet w/25” Monitor MUSIC

Cadillac & Dinosaurs ............ 295 w/sliding drawer, JAM- —»

Mortal Kombat ll ac. kcccwuwses 1195

Mortal Kombat! ................ 350 MA os a wy pee ROCK-OLA BLOWOUT!!
INESPe DOIU. cso ob- eee aoe ds & wk ww awe 795 e i - *
FY ONO CSUN og okeedexeedeess 1095 4000 Trilogy $2495
Lethal Enforcer w/guns .......... 995 ee ee 5000-X - S2695
SNK-Samurai Shodown ......... 150 We Have “Brand New”

Pioneer CUV-55 2pl......... 2495

SNK-Art of Fighting ..........--.. 75 and Used —

New Image Street Games Pool Tables, Air Hockey Fawr Used Rowe CD-100 ........ 2895
Countertop Used................ 1095 and

Used Grayhound Basketball w/DBV .595 Shuffle Alleys Smee | Used Rowe AMI
Large Selection of $50.00 PCBs | $1495 Brand New Combo & Vinyl ......... Call

WE SERVICE AND WARRANTY EVERYTHING THAT WE SELL!

PLAY METER 136

FEBRUARY 1995

BEST CO.

1-800-306-GAME

1642 Piedmont Hwy. ¢ Piedmont, SC 29673
Phone (803) 422-0250 or 1-800-306-4265 FAX (803) 422-8903

Co
printers anc —

Cops
ace Kits Wi th Ticket
ine tale Dispens ers)
19” Wells-Gardner Monitor
Grayhound HSV 300 DBA
ies tn tS STARTING AT:
ce _. $1,095.00 Psa
BPSh: FORSE FREE DELIVERY eta
Turbo II Cherry Master
Magical Odds
& Magical Tonic
Call Today! All Wing Boards,
Cal Omega QUANTITY PRICING a
AVAT LE AVAILABLE ...and many more
Having problems with your Try Our T-Kit
Si ng le Cherry Master? We have Master with
‘ the “Quick Fix” Deltronics Head
Prog ressive CALL FOR DETAILS LED Read-out
‘ Units
595.00 Distributors of:
CABINETS Mars Dollar Bill
| Upright Acceptors,
Pot ‘O Sitdown Wells-Gardner
Silver _ Monitors,
Push Mint Grayhound Dyna
US vais Countertop oo
Call for Price

One Year Advanced Replacement Warranty on all Merchandise

PLAY METER 15/7 FEBRUARY 1995

High Performance, Security
and Reliability From
Kevin Sharp Enterprises.

Authorized Distrioutor of Mars Dollar-Bill Acceptors

Mars Electronics International Mars Electronics International

GL5 Series Bill Acceptors § VFM5S Bill Acceptors

> Heightened Security > Programmable
> Superior Performance » Lighted Bezel
> Fast Bill Transport P Buill-in Diagnostics

Kevin Sharp 1-800-624-3779

ENTERPRISES, INC (645) Se SOS?
264 River Rock Bivd., Suite B, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Fax: (615) 895-9184

PLAY METER 138 FEBRUARY 1995

1] 3-D Graphics
[] Digitized Sound Etfects

[] Installs Into Standard 8-Line Harness
[| User Friendly Setup System

|] Built In On-Screen Progressive

[| Support For External Progressive

1] Built In Printer Capabilities

"The Last Game Board You'll Ever Need!"

Built In Multi-Game Capability
For Future Games
POKER * PULL-TAB * BLACKJACK CALL US AT

BINGO * KENO * SOLITAIRE 1 -800-6-GhilaRIRY/

Available In 13 or 19 Wood And Metal FOR MORE DETAILS
Cabinets Or As A Kit ae -
istributor Inquiries Welcome

? ° Proudly Made
Kevin Sharp Enterprises, Inc. |, the us.A

264 River Rock Blvd.
Suite B [
Murfreesboro, TN 37129 — YSA

[eee a | addstocai EXPRESS |
| eases }oraa. |
1-800-624-3779 Fax: (615) 895-9184 (aeeerevorzse | | IN cece i

Money Handling Equipment
and Supplies
New & Used Available EBS OB BAS CRE:

Coin & Token Sorting/Counting/Wrapping Jurmy — = =
Currency & Banknote Counters ae oy Oe Es & ae
Counterfeit Detectors
Paper/Ticket Shredders

Bill Changers for Coins, Tokens and Tickets M a rk YO U r

Parts & Service Ca le Nn d a rs
Quality and Integrity Since 1925

it
Dealer Inquiries Invited Ss NOW!!!

| (800) 762-7057
Byns-Orgway (714) 957-1311 Thursday, March 23rd

3308 W Warner Ave. ¢ Santa Ana, CA 92704 FAX (71 4) 433-2166 Friday, March 24th

Saturday, March 25th
ACTIONMATIC Ltp

Your Source for...
P.O. Box 326 1.3” Capsules
Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K4 (Mixed Colored Tops with Clear Bottoms)

Filled or Empty
TALKING VENDOR * Reno
7 English 5 - French's - Spanish Sldleor Basernbie i
. sd > ulkK Or ASSempbpie
_ Convention
” ¢ In-Capsule-ltems
oo Or Lela * Rings & Holders - Bulk & Assembled C e nN te r

Small Bulk Items 2.3” Round

Coinage Size - Up to 1.25” (32 mm) Clear Capsule Re No ) N V

Machine Size - Height 25” (63.5 cm), Both Halves Same
Width 8” (20.3 cm), Depth 8” (20.3 cm)
Custom Sounds - Can have your own record
made to say anything for 5 seconds. Up to 4
different sayings on each side.
Talking Vendor (Reg) Trade Mark

Canada No. 266520 2.850” CAPSULES 2.3” EMPTY CAPSULES ‘

U.S.A. No. 1221 491 No. 1221 491 Canadian Dist. for Beaver Vendors contact:

Slammers & Milk Caps (Low Prices) Fax (519) 351-7304 Phone: (519) 351-2181
Big Variety (800) 265-8363

— .
ean

on TENS
eet
ta

Ped

'
oss
ee 4 8

eed
¢, e

For more information,

William T.
Glasgow, Inc.

16066 South Park AVe.
South Holland, IL 60473

CRANE MERCHANDISE
CALL
A.L.D. SERVICES, INC.
1-800-77- -PLUSH

Same Day Shipping wiSA Veh

(708) 3335-9292

Fax (708) 355-4086

C.O.D.
eal Card.. Accepted

PLAY METER 140 FEBRUARY 1995

M & P AMUSEMENT

(Phil)

658 West Market St. - York, PA 17404

se Habla Espanol

(Terry
(Mike

(717) 848-1846 Fax (717) 354-6801

§100.00 prepays freight on any video game in continental United States

Arm Wrestling (JaleCo) ............ eens 4750
Coin Scan Goin GOUMESNN visccnccssccverivesscsnees 295
LCI At NCO ada oisaks cats inca evincinicninepansaiia’ 1550
MOttal ROMBSE UAE vicisssicwsraccciscionapsassaneccs 295
ifelgest@atelgg 6s: a 0. ne 795
Mortal Kombat II Ded. .................. eee 1595
Ee PO rateciwed dnncanaycandiceiimesmuniaganumuateswes 1250
PES RIE BODE iucacseivninsskaaxa son kcavanssenvanaiediies 1595
PROTON ONE A iccaisiicidcantunisad taisherenenstinbpune tana 2495
ROWe VMIGC-25 Crangefinssssericnconndssccsscosenie 995
Rowe MC-35 Changer Kit Transport, Har-

ness, Power Supply, CPU................::008 395
POW CAD BO vices bcepsdtorvnacestadetninadnmcsens 3195
SSUES NEI HN os nascae tesacanadeeiercanonetouatooainns 7500
THO THAVONCE vccicicesissetsvendixcsovsancsseseusssaescss 695
Valley 3.5 X f COUGAal POO s6sisescisieedescees 1295

Pinbalis For Sale

BOCAS FANIIG cisiscevstsssapasccisenieconinaeans 1995
ESI CI Eh isiac adasaucdienesdiwanencananettcsieeledcdapeotcks: 895
BS CR acccctaricansaas ev snveniansansansiocnanianekieran 695
CSFEAUITO: LAQOON wncaseccvactvaacnanctrerivcteniecss 1750
GING hextenu wae dubatassus pec seabnininkscaummmenitanend 895
EER R ONT RE aiid cecenteecebcsc sacrsrivnntensees 2695
Rs cociaxteccccirennduyyaayediciesasnantinewauanesions 1650
AISI actusiaccuavncdiebcanccrscncsecmiisvanccces 995
EICIIE Ret COPROUIIED a tessiacranrciascrctiteeiadeemaneacsiexoens 495
Be ehrnssexievusdeumistyceunsensneestardessicatacaneenans 1195
FTA vassias te dese ivonsea daaduceinalpaxeunusiienauacisdeaeds 595
PE PaO eter tra tnecnacnrencesdrebincwereecaadtaens 1195
GAINS SHOW vcicsssecacnsssecscscvesasscsisensausesi ses 895
Gladiator New Pre. .............s0.cscecscsscsscess 1750
LAO a ciactcracgaciesentisanmanemadennsens 2000
GIA 2 ccicsvicesstssctnesiciute csctatesdiodiptedeuneurteaversuees 695
PUGS LIAS pci cssterramccineeriarescmnecetaenss 1750
RP ERIC AUN ss sic c sss unasucavenatavanasndevervens 1895
ESIHA VVSADON iiiiciscteretiauarnnamaien 1195
PROP VERIO? csiccn iu dissnsixiasepadnitn anise cammtencusloston ues 595
MOUSIN ROUND siscvscescncsvsncassessscccessesscsresene 895
POT eiiickcadinacensarcaniceksastieasseaceesunnnmmineten ses 595
PO FOO Cis sacwsnncicanincteeesbarentseanmmseniinaneh 895
POG NCS cntuwcncaltncownuasuibed ina fosptanricaeieke 895
FR ORG ws cascerssss vans anceseuiisnesvnnanstavaenians 495
clic Ch): es eae a er 795
BOACS SUNG src accnmuamanriarentnanwey 495
SACS so AUOND sccacticancvnnocemnesulixnuneteasianninn 895
Star IT@K (Gta EASE) cveavesiescesssesevevesnene 1395
RUE UE Pte sianeawsuadiiceen scsandexevavrneneeds 2650
EY ai a iessdhenncacsawaasinwatetenvaieasin eocconeietes 1550
DOE PII EE Ul dciwrecsorcncssscinnievasnanevesnanss 1250
SUBST MANS BY OS vcasiiedcvnaieansnsereasan eavertn 1095
REA iaccsvuawscda car yiince wes woniadctuxcunueiueeteananatees 695
TOUT IROU Fr wcievcacdebianniundeecimcariadxeninn 1650
TRIG ZOO areca rnsxractxaniomceanrnnsopnaenaiacess 1650
AOL PAT PNR cosvscdiciarvaissivew Hacmenneiaceanpaceucimauinnen iis 995
WOHG GUO SOCOM iicesnsinnsexccsncasesasnnnaesaas 2795

wanted

Big Choice Triple Crane
Carousel Chance * Majestic Bumper Cars

Redemption Eq. Specials

PSE SATO sisciintccdas cemrcitnsnaacintenneeonnesnees 3295
BIG HOUT scnscxrrexceansperascmnapenveenrquranbansniivn 2500
OZ BSG MALO AN icsnwenavesncrvevvaenvenxnincawasueas 1995
COUSIN) MAING ice ccnessicadeavanaaniionsracyraiona wanes 2500
CBO 1D a crceraicaspessusomtnabersientaeancanties 4250
Crane SMS SiGe ivsiscsevasisxcavccrsusnaarveotsaen 795
Flip To Win w/redemption.................0066 4500
PUN COUP Pen Zy WIT sussisisaincnnsxswnasieanra 1995
Hoop Shot Basketball ...............ccssssseeseeees 700
RUIN LE ans ccnndarteriancesdtneenntreaxaigainet 895
Knock Down (Like New)..............cceeeeeeee 2250
Merlin Magic (6 player) ...........c eee 12500
New York New York ...........:cccceeeeeeeeeeeeees 3500
POR A BSN ssiccass cniaceaswesatervanssexseniecsieiurens 2500
FROOSIA SOG l oa.cicccstsicenra sin eneancanesicconanen 2500
Skee Ball 13” Model H ...............::seeeeeeees 1595
SMS PONS) ROM eicdctcccmernenmarnniwns 995
SOIT CU iaisaccaeedesscanenialseusnemmecmnsenctcien 1995
Two Minute Drill (NeW) ............. eee 2895
DEED skccsudssvanscoassecses an vamatnecastanvcraisxe 1595
ACI NO css astediinociuemmcencnie 4250
Waicn Grane (BISON) ssics tis cavsvncsienesssnnsion 5100

Dedicated PC Boards

with used accessories

ea ns caccesidesiecsinestesennteecincesspscen 195
NET A RII BEY a vieicsvciastvateis cveasceucentendcacees 395
LUT TOL OBEN coctancicnsecsunapnnoncsnvcnseeinteassnanates 100
PRATT FROCK asa iccavaned anxcavaccaniesmedeisenansadecdiatavaets 100
WY wstracketcinadeacdanasacice cadens ivearencemetes 195
Videos For Sale
F2O DOO COS sisstincsccinxsecinvarsontanunavecnaviintns 395
PREM ED coacs cxnvansvinnaenneaserasevsensenienimisnessiaaatens 395
POT PAIGE GUN i cdkcxusinisbecsenndsnkanncantanitecen 395
PRBS AII Ns 25s sceciarexcavecsisccimenaenuntneciuaterdes 395
BOAST BUSING wissccvcrsctsessvideteeidiesimicianusss 1295
SIC) FAM iccanconnsecenitsniesaiuchvsieveenisanontuoses 1395
CADCOMN BOW ccssisicccinncccesnnecrsaxeanansnnsces 395
Championship Chase H.Q................... 1295
EHEREETA PANEL Us sais sain dp bios sau seneeennetned Gvecdesccnnns 395
CONTE NTAMGIFCUNE 5 scccsisascanissnsiiedinsinkcundexs 795
CUO satraseriveasmetsrommmantrnemeises 395
FFG FIG De il ies censhnicssaaseis ities cease ciedeseaeanst 395
CASTE WOON ics sshasiustecricimenaertceees 395
COLONY PUK cnc, seccvce uns nen sanenncniauonsenssnanid ens 395
FAN OD i nccreccatonsnavacrenanssiesemcapeneree 595
Heavyweight Champ ............:::::ceeeeeeeeees 395
FIG UDB ncinnesinncicnunannmiapsen 395
Mortal Kombat | Ded....................eeeeeee ee 795
Mortal KOMpDaE ll DGG siscacccseneasxeiwccerectcs 1595
PAE ca cis was axnien ncomtaccmnienniudnementas 1295
QDBTAUGONT VON sasiccessasonscwevoinuvcrsansnncnaties 395
ERT PUI scseicccedgnensvdiline aceaessenveacssabensednds 1195

PAG scecctcuxccadetesaxacandincsdevenunesinessieateveds 750
PALE! TAO ssorsesacsstanntucnasensiennenscl Cebsanaicntes 395
POlG-POSHON UW scscscsseiaxscasseasnssndenssaseesanesss 395
POE EOIN, sesaccanveryeswmaonnersausearneoaeide 1195
PHAGE SI iicocncdacscntusdnavsaveasveusvorasaxtenes 395
SOIL ccscsscsesuaunoipndvdvunmeuiepeaaetakodvadanarkipies 395
SUBS PIO Ul cccccscsccommicasmanmsnuase 395
DET OUI wnccdveminsiunesmnnwncertniae 395
TEAM QUAPTOROACK wi caniseiinsiscvcracsanenovencsesns 550
TAPEIMAOR Ca Maiicdiscosasensvsscceunansnsasnasiie 1795
WEI lossaveciesieunsnagixsoadeuniuabiavdausabeveneeee 395
TiMe Traveler ...........cccceescessececceceseeseeeeues 895
THO sticccsonsinxnsanucamatevoneenedelsendetauledpudes 395
US iS Ne icici tcicecascciclantariesoranunccamiinnes 395
MIG FO Reb iasasscssaspeatnteienteicadetin 1995
Sit Down Games
PSY CUTIE wasvcasiccevcoivinadavsesdbaavedtnnaacanss 2995
PAE Ge trsdowalaucieutolelawetatcuesanaus tialdudedueeuinialeanesentt 2395
CSO FUGA wiins ice dvecsncacusolinsvaescasavceuteten 3995
Cyber Sled (NeW) ............:ceeeeeeeeeees 5995
PAA is vecasncxspnseacessuadannsaccoacanceanane’ 3295
(BRIAR FF OVE ais sacssctasasiicesdarsbamantandiuaves 2995
Gc ssctlvacnsicde vdaviasdeiee dave us eodenebaanateea dies 3495
PHA ICO vsececiwekiaeeedipbenrcscerwanrsins 2995
PACS DIVING sincasniniuccseoteansioewuavicuseowas 3495
PRC TOON vacicnsiradenincccnatensccceateaeearuetioss 4495
Se AON hecsis cassevnccelveewctbesixemioedbcxpensaediesee 3295
Sh PING CON ve vancremexaranaememnals 1695
Super MOnace SP vpsiises cavsaccncecnseraas 3995
PRMIPGBTNOG EG occa ciincessvnesaxsasanssievnsnaneties 1200
THERE CMON a iiajess-cocerexvesnexncassivisnticdzans 3995
Virtua Racing Deluxeé.....................eeeee 8500
VICI FRAC evcscrccisacsararcsnnsalianceanisiareds 7795
Virtua TWin W/Monitor...............0cceeeeee 15500
Videos in 25” Cab
Dedicated
CED PAIVNOINC siecens sarcnnaversvancruscaveranataiexs 795
Gat, COMMA ies vcicpcanncasverdsnicerssaremasan 795
RSET FA WONG ci aers sci crscinaananneancenniaianve 695
Eels LIS wacudraditabin cantante butirierianvenceinaentiontas 795
Fal ACL sccresratincsomanenneiionaaxatsioains 695
TI ean ated suse cmn and dacebaasednamin Sua eWe ea tedinei 795
RAG VIRGEN, csc siccsxtowscowesnaiesdresdxsatesenatasta 695
NAOT al ROU ci cniccetercansenrsnsiseareendes 795
NOTA! ROMDOU YY cisczascoctanmicrcummenias 1595
ESP SELL TT ecanwennosnseeacaantiasnncincavecacantedentts 1295
PEP e TONE sxcucsesananiwestaareemcsnaereruesstins 1595
COTE FROG sxcaxscasvidcavvanornn vniceenmasseninnsens 795
PIL EI OUON score tavard caiaspscnnentsccaneiaaavndeteeianeah 795
et G11 6 o0 | ft: Se ee ae eee coe nen on nee r ee 795
IIIT PM aicleoixvecercsccenvessminsienmsaads 695
OL FUSS TUTOO cctinusseceaarscanaveccnosrarvenss 795
TECHDOW! 2 TV GAM is vrcsassecscresesiwnnvinss 395
SAUD AOS s .ccd sta nsdcetnndnnia teu veneeadcneaaaeaceuns 795
TIO schcitersixcenicetaniesciauepeaacondieutintawaieans 795

(717) 848-1846. Fax (717) 854-6801

PLAY METER

141

FEBRUARY 1995

CANDY CRANE OPERATORS

S¢ A.L.D. SERVICES, INC. 8Z

PRESENTS
8¢ Creative Hard Goods Variety Pack

1440 pieces per bag of interesting attractive items to mix in with your candy!

1-800-777-5874 COD MC VISA

COINS or BILLS
Count/Sort/Wrap

Ask FOR THE PUCK STOPS HERE sy Nave

The Original Air Hockey Safety Shield

e PRACTICALLY ELIMINATES TABLE- mo 1000’s IN USE THROUGHOUT
SIDE INJURIES & COSTLY THE USA, UK, CANADA, MEXICO
PROPERTY DAMAGE nee ne AND AUSTRALIA

e ARCADE TESTED

e PUTT-PUTT® GOLF ’N GAMES

© INSTALLS IN.15 MINUTES WITH ee OEE, SOR" oll BE. WALIBU CASTLE © GREAT AMERICA
ONLY A SCREWDRIVER — Th © FUN FACTORY © GREEN GAMES

PARTS—REPAIRS

ABC COIN (214)377-7100
8524 Fifth St. - Frisco, TX 75034

* IMAGINATION LEISURE »* DYNAMO x _ U.S. BILLIARDS

¢ Increased player appeal! ¢ Ask your distributor for ““THE PUCK STOPS

¢ Demand the 9-inch shields with the angle! HERE” by name!

¢ Made from virtually indestructible space age ¢ Insist on the original or call direct and save the
material! sales tax!

e Increase Revenue ... Decrease lost pucks and ¢ When your customers’ safety and your liability
expense from downtime! are at stake. . .specify the quality product!

PLASTITECH PRODUCTS, INC.
(903) 757-0543 on0.2°%?38%o, 1-800-933-0145

Ww
e

I ok b <i

Jf Ww aad -

A. of

ee ee oat ee

my Se WwW
Slate mover

& Cavering Table

The Ultimate

Pool Table Mover inc
Reid Sales President
412 Cottage St.
Delphi, IN 46923
317-564-4838
1-800-925-9275

phone 219-256-1138
Fax 219-256-1144

STAND ALONE

PROGRAMMER

( 2732 - 27c080 ) $Z29§'

PLAY METER 142 FEBRUARY 1995

The Nation’s Leading Auctioneers Of:

IS Amusement Video Games ¢ Pinball Machines
Auction AF Juke Boxes ¢ Kiddie Rides ¢ Darts

Pool Tables * Redemption Games

GAMES AT AUCTION NATIONWIDE

Houston, TX Tampa, FL

F b Ft. Bend County Fairgrounds, Bldg. | Florida State Fairgrounds

e (ua i y ‘C’ Hwy 36, 9/10 mile South of Special Events Building, Hwy 301
Hwy 59 Rosenberg) Off Interstate 4

Cellular: 317-432-7626 Cellular: 813-623-7626

Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866 Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

Columbus, OH
Buckeye Building

Ohio State Fairgrounds

17th Street & Clair Avenue
Cellular: 614-271-7626

Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

Our Land Pavilion

Indiana State Fairgrounds
Cellular: 317-432-7626

Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

8
Tampa, FL
Florida State Fairgrounds
Special Events Building, Hwy 301
Off Interstate 4
Cellular: 813-623-7626
Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

esinibad OH
Lausche Building

Ohio State Fairgrounds

17th Street & Clair Avenue
Cellular: 614-271-7626

Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

6 15
Clementon, NJ Columbus, OH

M (East of Philadelphia) Route 30 Mart | Rhodes Building
ay 1-295, Exit 29 to Route 30 East Ohio State Fairgrounds
6 miles to Route 30 Mart on right 17th Street & Clair Avenue
Auction Day Telephone: Cellular: 614-271-7626
609-435-2700 Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

ee: oe 10
Indianapolis, IN Denver, CO
Our Land Pavilion
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Cellular: 317-432-7626
Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

9
b 7 8 thru 10
October Clementon, NJ Orlando’ EL
Z

4 18

Indianapolis, IN

Auctioneer: Bill Hughes

Phone: 502-451-6241

Terms & Conditions

Acceptable Payment - Cash, Cashiers Check, Travelers Check, Personal or

cat a Check with Irrevocable Bank Letter of Guarantee, Visa, MasterCard or
iscover.

4% Buyers Premium

4% Discount for payments in Cash, Cashiers Check, Travelers Check,

Personal or Company Check with Irrevocable Bank Letter of Guarantee.

Applicable state and local sales taxes must be collected unless you provide a

current copy_of your Sales & Use Tax Permit.

11
Indianapolis, IN

(Brighton) Adams County Regional
Park Complex, 124th Avenue, 1 mile
west of U.S. 85, 4 miles east of 1-25

For further information contact:

P.O. Box 4819 Louisville, Kentucky 40204 502-456-1600

IN 1995!

| 23 thru 25
: ACME Trade Show

18
Clementon, NJ

(East of Philadelphia) Route 30 Mart

1-295, Exit 29 to Route 30 East Reno, Nevada
ei ea ¢ Not An Auction «
Sy ee rai Visit Us At Our Booth

1 2 Le 29...
Louisville, KY Des Moines, IA | Indianapolis, IN
Buechel National Guard hes ie al lowa State Fairgrounds Our Land Pavilion

i the corner of Progress and
d., across from GE Appliance Park. Take
Bardstown Rd. to Buechel Bypass 1.6 miles
South of 1-264 pte Expressway). Turn
right at National Guard Armory sign.
Cellular: 502-551-1866

University and East 30th Street Indiana State Fairgrounds
Cellular: 317-432-7626

Reorder Tone Dial: 502-551-1866

as All Auctions a
Begin At 10:00 a.m. ~*

Local Time

sostwe'es | a 30
O 0’ ,
New Oceans, LA | Indianapolis, IN
14 21 8,
Tampa, ri. | eR

Sales Manager: Jeff Schwartz

24 hr. Fax: 502-897-7771

Auction Information

e All auctions begin at 10 am local time. e Please, no cigarette machines or candy
¢ To consign games for sale: bring to machines older than two years.
the Auction site on the Friday before ¢ Phone numbers listed for
the auction between 9 am and 9 pm. auctions are for Friday and
e Inspection: day of sale 9-10 am. Saturday only.
¢ Removal of all equipment by ¢ Contact Ric Stephen 812-333-9939
midnight day of sale. for special hotel rates.

Coin Counters for
The Coin- by il

=) SCAN COIN
800-336-3311

' EPROMS ~*

C&P DISTRIBUTING
TEL: 219-256-1138
FAX: 219-256-1144

na) eo) ES"

CLOSE OUT
CAPCOM SLAM
MASTERS
Full Factory Sealed Kit
board, header, artwork, overlay,
joystick, buttons, etc.

$199
free shipping
Great Scott
Amusements
619-630-0616

PLAY METER

LUCKY EGGS = GOOD MONEY!
e Reconditioned Chicken and Flintstone Animated Egg Vendors with Warranty

— Like New!
e Prize-Filled Egg Capsules with Same Day Shipping — Phone for Quote.

CCC) INNOVATIVE
INDUSTRIES,
sil INCORPORATED

2605 Grand Ave ® Carthage, MO 64836

800-344-7467

FAX (417)358-1849

REDEMPTION TICKETS

TICKET SIZE 2 x 1 5/32 .010 TAG

kKkkKk 0000000006

Brive : Tote SKEE-BALL
aE POINTS |e) | aim COUPON is) | Que couPON [2
@ sowurcut @ > we TCAET @ sowuncur 6

STOCK TICKETS AS SHOWN ABOVE

UNDER 300,000.......$1.25m
OVER 300,000... $1 00% STOOK TCKETS AVAILABLE NEXT DAY

CUSTOM PRINTED

160,000 to 480,000 $1.60
480,000 to 1,000,000....51.10s

1,000,000 or More.....$1.00.

ALL PRICES PER 1000

FREE FRONT SIDE PRINTING!!!
Add $28.00 for Printing 2 Sides
Packed 60,000 Per Case

Case Weight 38 Lbs.
8 Colors Available: Gray-Pink-Red-Blue-Green-Yellow-Orange-White

MUNCIE NOVELTY CO.

ORDER P.O. Box 823 Muncie, IN47308 FAX
TODAY! Ph. 800-428-8640 Nationwide 317-288-3434
Muncie Novelty Co. Exclusive Sales Agent for Indiana Ticket Co.

Manufacturers of Quality Tickets for Over 50 Years
(Roll Tickets Also Available)

144 FEBRUARY 1995

Tired Of Losing Money? Change Over To

UARTERMASTER

5499-1 Murfreesboro Rd., LaVergne, TN 37086 Ph: (615) 355-9681
Fax: (615) 355-0213 Toll Free 1-800-955-9681

WE TRADE FOR ANYTHING COMPLETE GAMES
PINS* VIDEO* JUKEBOXES STARTING AT
ee | $1095.00
KIDDIE RIDES KIT READY
POOL TABLES GAMES
FOOSBALLS $699.00
DRAW 805 ALL CABINET
PINBALLS

SIZES AND
OMEGAS AVAILABLE
CRANES
VIDEOS ADVANCED
DARTS REPLACEMENT
MERIT & GTIs WARRANTY
SINGLE GAME
PROGRESSIVE BONUS

Give New Life To Any Video GAme
FLEXIBLE*EASY TO INSTALL*BONUS POINTS AWARDED ON SCREEN

SUPER CHERRY SKILL MAGICAL
CHERRY MASTER ANGEL CHANCE ODDS

@& VIDEO GAMES ®
MORTAL KOMBAT

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE
“ASK ABOUT OUR FREE DELIVERY PROGRAM*

1-800-955-9681 1-800-955-9681

PLAY METER 145 FEBRUARY 1995

One Kiddie Ride

Only
Is U1) Listed

Comp

CALL
TOLL
FREE

SE
HABLA
ESPANOL

gwDIE Rings ys
1-800-448-6888

GENIE

MODEL: HT-14

PROGRAMS
2732 - 27C080
EPROMS

PROGRAMMING TIMES
(IN SECONDS)

EPROM 27256 27512 27C010 27C020 27C040 27C080

BLANK CHECK os os 13 . . -
PROGRAM 3.4 72a 15.8 21.0 o1.8 1232.3
VERIFY

LENGTH: 6-5/16"

(16 CM)

WIDTH: 4-5116" (11 CM)
HEIGHT: -3 (5.5 CPA)
WEIGHT: 14 OUNCES (397 G)
POWER: 2 -9V BAT. OR AC ADAPTOR
C&P DISTRIBUTING ="
= TEL: 219-256-1138 CJ
| CHANOE WITHOUT NOTICE. ies —— 144 Ce]
PLAY METER 146

AUTHORIZED PARTS AND
SERVICE CENTER

Sega

Fun Merchants

Elaut

Rowe

APC

Dixie Narco/Ardac
American Laser Games
Le...

Arachid

Skeeball

Taito
Konami
SNK
Namco
Merit
Atari
Crompton
Bally
Midway
Williams
Capcom

* 30 Day warranty on repaired items *
* Average repair cost under $100 *

For fast and reliable service contact
BETSON ENTERPRISES
303 Paterson Plank Road
Carlstadt, NJ 07072-2307

BéETrso 201-438-1300

LOW COST ¢ HIGH RETURN
DESK TOP COIN PHONES

800-524-2343

443 . >»
é ee |
Ys

BESTWHOLESALEPRICES|
WEWILLNOTBEUNDERSOLD!
FORGETTHEREST CALL THEBEST!

G-TEL

713-550-5592
Fax 713-550-1028

FEBRUARY 1995

How Much Money Do
You Have In CD’S?

Silent Partner’s newest release, the most powerful, easiest-to-use software
program available for the amusement & vending industry, can tell you to
the exact penny. It can also maintain your disk inventory, search by art-
ist, title or type of music, keep track of disks sold, track popularity, maintain
a history of each machine or disk, and tell you
which locations need new disks. And that’s
only one of Silent’s Partner’s powerful pro-
grams.

Also included in the same mod-
ule is Silent Partner’s powerful
Redemption Manager and Ser-
vice Calls Monitor. Now
you can have detailed
information about
your business at your

fingertips.

Silent Partner has
been the proven soft-
ware for the amuse-
ment & vending in-
dustry, with more
than 1100 users

iN | F worldwide. We’ve
i proven ourselves by

continually refining
Silent Partner, by lis-
tening to our users sug-
gestions, and by offering timely
upgrades to help you run your busi-
ness more efficiently and profitable.
Silent Partner 14 offers even more features and flexibility. Don’t be
fooled by cheap imitations. Don’t buy from a company that may not be
here tomorrow.
For complete information on Silent Partner 14’s newest features,
call (800) 480-3441 or write to us at the address below. You will find
that we offer more features, more experience and more convenience than
any other program. We offer a full, one-year money back guarantee. And
for those using other programs, just include the intsallation diskettes
and we’ll give you a 30% discount when you order. (Discount not to
exceed the orignal purchase price of the competing software.)
We’re the best. Let us prove it to you.

Silent Partner, Inc.

3441 South Park e¢ Springfield, Illinois 62704
1 - 8 0 0 - 4 8 0- 3 4 4 =#7

Silent Partner 14

PLAY METER 147 FEBRUARY 1995

DISCOUNT VALIDATORS
For Pinball and Vending
Machines

Ardac USA’ == §285°°

We Also Offer The
sm Coinco BA30 and
Mars Validators as
well as Changers
for Vending
Machines

Capital
Vending Inc.
(301) 419-3189
FAX (301) 419 3661

Middle Tennessee Game, Inc.
Shelbyville, TN

1-800-848-0236

Boards, Bill

Complete Cherry
Acceptors, Games Starting
Monitors, any at $1095.00
fruit game

related parts NEW

Partial Used Inventory

Mortal Kombat Il (4) Riviera Hi Score

Mortal Kombat | (3) SMS Top Draw
NBA Tournament Rowe CD 100B
NBA Jam Rowe CD 51
Turbo Outrun (6) Omega 903
Twilight Zone Pin Omega 905
Hurricane Pin (6) Grayhound Super
Funhouse Pin Rowe R-92

Brian Riddle Billy King

Call For Prices
Free Delivery to Many States

PLAY METER

148

__€
So

SE |

Quality
Assorted
Toys for
Crane
Machines

SPECIAL
$100.00 DISCOUNT

250 Toys Free If You
Buy 5 Boxes

(BMC). Best Mfg. Co.

414-547-5051 ¢ Fax 414-547-0905

GOOD

Now you can make
‘1° on every long

distance collect and

credit card calls.
Sign up for Dollar
Sticker Program

lf your desktop payphone

looks anything like any one of

these, you can offer long dis-
tance and make $1.00 on
each and every call.

OR
BUY YOUR OWN

PAYPHONE!

NEWS!

) Just Plug It In

_] Stop Unauthorized Calls
1 1 Year Warranty

_] FCC Approved

_) Line Powered

PPI: Phone Industries

800-332-9939
2415 W. Amherst, Bloomington, IN 47404
812-333-9939 Fax: 812-333-8951

Celebrating Our 11th Year
of Service

FEBRUARY 1995

Your independent source for all your
coin-op needs. From individual equip-
ment sales to full set-ups...

Alpha Omega is your answer.
Representing most manufacturers in
equipment, money handling, tickets and
token sales.
Consulting is also available.

ALPHA-OMEGA

AMUSEMENTS &
SALES, INC.

Call the Experts
Rich Ganeles, Ken Schwartz or
Frank “The Crank” Seninsky
at
12 Elkins Road
East Brunswick, NJ 08816

(908) 254-3775
FAX (908) 254-6223

Exporters & Domestic Sales

FINANCING AVAILABLE
All Reconditioned Equipment DI-
rectly From Our Own Route

SUPER REDEMPTION SPECIALS

Alligator Kiddie Ride Cat ‘N Mouse Rock ‘N Bowl
2Seat (Whittaker) Chase the Rainbow Shoot Out (Meltec)
Animal Land Circus Hi Rise 8’ Sidewinder
Bank It Dragon Kiddie Ride Skee-Ball 13’
Batter Up (Doyle) 2-Seat (Whittaker) Super Pro Quarterback ....1599
Big Bertha Fiddlestix Turbo Pusher
Boogie Man Ken/Barbie Water Race .8899
Bozo Basketball1 PL. ..1699 Kids Adventure Dome. .3899

540i OS

VIDEO SPECIALS
Afterburner s/d
Cisco Heat s/d (twin)....
Cisco Heat s/d (del.)
Cybersled s/d
Double Axle s/d
Driver's Edge s/d
Grand Prix Star s/d
Hard Drivin’ s/d
Lucky & Wild s/d

Moto Frenzy s/d (twin) ..3199

Moto Frenzy s/d (del.) ...
Outrun s/d (std.)

Outrun s/d (del.)

Race Driving s/d

Rad Mobile s/d

Ridge Racer s/d

Ridge Racer s/d (twin) .14,799

Road Riot s/d

Steel Talons s/d

Virtua Racing s/d

Great Slugger

Hard Yardage (ded.) ....
Lethal Enforcer

Lethal Enforcer II

Mortal Kombat (ded.) ....
Mortal Kombat II (ded.) . .2599

NBA JAM (ded.)
NBA Tourney Ed (ded.) ..
Revolution X

Super St. Fight. Il Turbo (ded.) . .2599

Under Fire
Virtua Fighting

VIDEO GAMES
Beast Busters

Golden Axe II (ded.)
Gun Busters

High Impact (kit)

Hit The Ice (kit)

In The Hunt 25”
Knights of Round
Martial Champion (ded.) ..

Neo-Geo2pl. ......... 1099
Neo Geo4pl./6pl. ..... 1899

Outrun u/r
Primal Rage (ded.)

Punisher (ded.) ........ 1099

Racing Hero s/d
Rad Mobile u/r
Raiden II

Rowe BC 25 MC
Rowe BC 35
Space Gun

Space Harrier s/d
Space Lords

Steel Gunner

St. Fighter II (ded.)
St. Fighter 11 CE (ded.) ...
Super Chase
Time Killers

Title Fight

X-Men 4 pl

AMON D Di-a-0 6a sieves d oa 1699

PINBALLS
Addams Family
Cue Ball Wizard
Corvette
Demolition Man

Flintstones (Wms.)
Freddy Krueger
Gladiator

Judge Dredd
Jurassic Park

Last Action Hero
Lethal Weapon
Maverick

Rescue 911

Road Show

Star Trek Next Gen

Terminator Il
Twilight Zone

World Challenge Soccer .1799
AUXILIARY PRODUCTS

Coin Counters/Sorters/Wrappers

Coin Ace
Cummins
Downey Johnson
Currency Counters/Scanners
Cummins
Lynde-Ordway
Ticket Eaters
Ticket Scales
Tickets/Tokens

NEW REDEMPTION-

Call for Discounts
Around The World
Big Bertha/Buddy Bear
Chuckles The Clown
Dinoscore
Home Run Hitter
Kids Adventure Dome
Mini Dunxx
Pogger
Rage in the Cage
Ribbit Racing
Roll For Gold

Skee-Ball/Lightning
Smart Candy Crane
Speed Ball Rally
Wheel Em In

RECONDITIONED
Air Hockey
Five ‘N Line Skilbingo ....
Full Court Frenzy
Mad Dog McCree 27” ...
Perfect Landing
Pitch Hitter
Pop A Ball
Powerhouse
Quartermile
Silver Ski
Simple Simon
Skee Toss
Super Chexx
Super Pro Q’Back Jr. ...
Treasure Island

ALL RECONDITIONED GAMES ARE GUARANTEED 60 DAYS-CALL FOR COMPLETE LIST

PLAY METER

149

FEBRUARY 1995

Lucky
in Love?

Hit the Jackpot with our Slots!

bo] U Meor- lam el=lere) aal=
MeolF-jigleleice) mceler-\y,

Ballys e IGTs ¢ Sigmas ¢ Universals
Top quality, reconditioned or as is condition machines
and service after the sale

R&JSLOTS

249 Blue Ridge Drive ¢ Orange, Virginia 22960
Phone (703) 672-4500 ¢ Fax (703) 672-4663

=, EEBURG

FACTORY AUTHORIZED
SERVICE CENTER
Complete Service Facility
Factory Trained Technicians
Modern Test Equipment

QUALITY SERVICE
LOW COST

SMC & STD Series
MPU Unit
Amplifiers

DCCs
Ardac DBVs
Mechanisms

SCD Series
sony Players
Amplifiers
Power Supplies
CPU Boards
Ardac DBVs

1-800-531-1230

Western Reserve Games Inc.
21651 Tungsten Rd. « Euclid, Ohio 44117

PLAY METER

150

PINBALLS

LIMITED SUPPLY - ORDER NOW

8 Ball Champ
Bad Girls

Jokerz
Phantom Op

Playboy 35
Police Force
Pool Sharks
Robo Cop Pin
Rollergames
Simpsons

Diamond Lady
Diner

ARACHNID DARTS

Model 6300 - Super Six Plus 2
Location Ready - $775.00

$2495.00
$2495.00

NSM “Fire” (Wall Mount)
NSM “Galaxy”

Pokers and 8 Liners
Complete Games Starting @ $300.00

Kiddie Rides
Call For List of Choice Rides Left From Last
Month’s Ad

STANSFIELD VENDING, INC.
P.O. Box 157 ¢ La Crosse, WI 54601
Call Max ¢ 608-782-7181

XY TEIK

SIMPLY
THE BEST MACHINES
INTHE BUSINESS!

THE PROGRAMS YOU WANT
THE PRICES YOU NEED
THE SUPPORT YOU DESERVE

908-919-7878

FEBRUARY 1995

Thank You!

for Making
AMOA EXPO ’94
a Success!

Special Thanks to Hesch Foundation
Contributors, Exhibitors and
All Expo ’°94 Attendees

PN ito Melo) si mo) ce(-)
AMOA’s Government
PNi fell cm ereyal(-)c-)a(er-e
May 20-23, 1995,
Washington, D.C

Amusement & Music Operators Association
401 North Michigan Avenue — Chicago, IL 60611-4267 — 312.245.1021 fax: 312.245.1085

PLAY METER 151 FEBRUARY 1995

MONITOR

GET WELL KITS

SAVES TIME AND MONEY
ON MONITOR REPAIRS!

Monitor repair kits take care of picture
warping, blacking out, smearing, low
brightness and brighness problems, poor
regulation, jail bars, vertical shrinking,
etc. Call for free technical help with your
monitor problems. All kits come with in-
structions and are easy to install.

WICO DISTRIBUTES GET WELL KITS

Kit #101: For Electrohome G0O7-CBO
19” color monitor. 17 parts. $7.95 ea.
Wico #36-0243

Kit #102: For Electrohome GO7-FBO
13” color monitor. 16 parts. $7.95 ea.
Kit #201: For Wells-Gardner K4600 Se-
ries color monitors. 14 parts. $6.95 ea.
Wico #36-0244

Kit #202: For Wells-Gardner K4900 Se-
ries color monitors. 15 parts. $7.95 ea.
Wico #36-0248

Kit #203: For Wells-Gardner K4800 Se-
ries color monitors. 15 parts. $7.95
each.

Kit #204: For Wells Gardner 13”, 19”,
25” K7000 Series Color Monitor. 15
parts. $6.95 ea. Wico #36-0249

Kit #206: For Wells Gardner 19K6100
Color XY monitor. Includes caps, resis-
tors, diodes, and six power transistors.
30 parts. $14.95 ea.

Kit #301: For Nintento Sanyo 19” color
monitor. 15 parts. $6.95 ea. Wico #36-
0245

Kit # 401: for Atari Disco 19” color mon-
itor. 17 parts. $6.95 ea.

Kit #801: For Hantarex Color monitor
model #MTC900. 21 parts. $7.95 ea.
Kit #802: For Hantarex Color monitor
model #MTC9000. 18 parts. $7.95 ea.
Kit #910: Nintendo Sanyo color video
inversion kit. Convert Nintendo cabinets
with non-Nintendo game boards. 17
parts. $4.95 ea.

Kit #920: For Pac Man, Ms. Pac Man
logic boards. Eliminates hum bar in pic-
ture. 4 parts. $6.95 ea.

DISCOUNT! Buy ten kits and take
$1.00 off each kit. Money back
guarantee. We pay S&H.

Electrohome GO7CBO) Replacement
Chassis (NEW)

Electrohome 19” Flyback
#A29951-B

2$D1138 ...1.22
STR381 ....7.97
STR3123 ...6.26
STR30130 . .5.29

2SC3039 . .$1.39
2SD1398 ...3.59
ZNGI 1 a2 556 1.95
ONSI 92 oon ei 1.95

ZANEN ELECTRONICS

806-793-6357
FAX 806-793-9136

PLAY METER

BIRMINGHAM VENDING

Your One Stop Shop For Coin-Op

SPECIAL PACKAGE DEAL
6-Seidel-21 Rolldowns
a E\-) (¢ (=) Ou (om I lom [ol -
Rolldown
FLA idem le <cimelelahie
$4000.00 Total
NEW & USED JUKEBOXES
FROCKOIABSGO+?! cavivavawceeeseness $799
CD-100 Fully Updated ............ 3199
CIO ¢25c0k ev avdulagesenhans 3399
SEPIOOS saxtecadiaeeetoadenwees 3599
CHOU ss icectudeeresbexnauen’ 3799
CHOOT ch vp eeee eeknde data pews CALL
o05 hee Kead awed ke dee eaewy 2999
eo ee en en re ae eee 549
eS) 3 pcan ies ate abner neater 999
PEST SOMO. iawn cxcswemvure aw ee 1699
BE a sabekeeeetveds ena ederweees 1199
Pree CONDO: saccade ex deee acne 1899
POS COMDG 64 cute ieseccewnkes 2099
USED NEO GEO CARTRIDGES
Art oT FIGNHAG W evade dae cedanevwee $150
ALOT FIQNUNG sccsciacvesecaveauss 100
Basepall Stars Wl ss ine oe ies oecaews 200
BUIMMG PICT 6 isc ccaw nda oueneeeis 100
GCUOCIND “cone ha eiutesecdesieuaiaas 50
PORT UR «intend yiddan nia neeawes 100
Fatal FUR SPGGIA) 6.0 ccceacewses saws 175
FOOIDAll FIENZY ss ccaweiandcansvncs 199
GUPUTIAINOW) nc veevacedestadeves 250
WIMSHON NEU bcc kcacadteds evenness 99
Samuria SAOGOWN 3.5 cvccicscccvess 250
MQUOOKU 4 dae euwekesyeease dwn 199
TOOTING, cance wr anguee du Xe rae RS 199
WUGHG FICTOOS 6 uy nce cee caw eae dx ales 99
VWVOlG FICIOGS Tl occ esate cedeewme saan 200
World Heroes Jet ................. 225
Street Slam (New) ..............0-. 399
Samurai Shodown Il (NEW)........ 399

Call for Quantity Discounts

New & Used Kit Specials

Eagle Shot Golf. op cecncancancens $999
RIGLY BOW 25 ci use vane winear ames 999
SUIVIVAIAING 444402 ¢e00benme ears 299
BINGO vic cud eoeeeaeealGendaens 299
6rd OF GUN (IAW) occas xsasienaawen 799
Dark Stalker BA wccccccneascaanes 799
DOG Shel cis chan eekeenasayes 1449
Dungeons and Dragons .......... 1399
Street Fighter ll co cscrencsveees es 699
Super Street Fighter ll ........... 1099
ee Ol GO 5.cccanaakeews esweaws 199
NEW & USED PINBALLS
Maverick (New) ........ SPECIAL PRICE
Freddy Krueger (New) ..SPECIAL PRICE
SGC AUAG syahorisr ey ieewee neds CALL
Guns and Roses ................ CALL
Baa ccsna Kea Ow POSES ee eka $1599
Gladiators (NOW) sscswcicecmaavews 1699
JUIBESIC PEI 60 eter en ead sce era 1799
DE WAG: sci ceaedaneaweeees etewe 1899
PIQUDOY $.45.420¢84004 0b eemunsssaenee 899
Rocky N Bullwinkle ............... 1799
LASt ACHON HGNO 62... cdwisianess 2199
HOOK asi natevereteneevednebeneue 1599
LMA PRGA caccetaturdduns puke 979
POG! SNAG a4 4 ka¥etanivoweenresesd 999
BU OS. Gv odencdes cceebauwoeass 1699
Lethal Weapon Wl. sia a ccs ceawenana 1599
THE DNDSONS. yen gue em aaies akan 899
USED DART SPECIALS
RA GO00! ev céve¥aran dade rstacsaboeened $599
ARA Super 6+ll w/New Target .............. 899
ARA Super 6+Il w/New Tgt. & Top Mon. ............. 999
ARA Super6Hll COORS wNew Tgt &Ttop Mon. ......e.e.. 1099
RHAISAORY pices amr teees teneeinsaks ees 1799
Merit Premier Pubtime .................... 799
OTE POOUINE sc crcceneeeiakpeeaawecesane 799
MOT PUDIING CHE sv aceancvarddaicnmen mas 1199
Valley Cougar Dart Non-Fold Down ........ 1299

BVC PARTS SUPER SPECIALS

English Mark Dart Home Board .......... $12.50

$10.99 Lots of 5
Wooden Foosball Handles ........ $5.00 Set of 8
M00 Bal SOS 64c00cncananveeins $25.99 Lot of 4
12 AMP Power Supplies ......... $26.99 Lot of 3
Rowe T-Handle Pop Out ........... $10.50 Each
Rowe Door Support for Jukebox .......... $1.89
Rowe Infrared Remote Vol.Cont. ....... $195.00
Rowe Hand Held Paging Kit............. $62.70
ESO Pilsen Cnules ssa csccak evens $19.95 Lot of 3

FREE FREIGHT FOR ORDERS OVER $250.00

BIRMINGHAM VENDING CO.

Established 1931

General Office
540 Second Ave. N. * Birmingham, AL 35204

(205) 324-7526
SE-800-238-8363

Florida Division
4524 L.B. Mcleod Rd. ¢ Orlando, FL 32811

(407) 425-1505
FL-800-330-1233

National Toll Free 800-288-7635 « Fax (205) 322-6639

192

FEBRUARY 1995

Pinballs ‘iain :

BS AUTON scsessrisncascicssansrtinvcsamnisassecninds

Cite Ball WUZalO ccsccssssncssncsosnssessssscees
PNG G sccarcisdannianmumnsannls

Rr OIMOCRINIW fcctcntsmetadarsteaseionsis

Rv GLA WAY sinesscivincsnntnsioniniinenians
EAR OE GS ccxcrnvinissvsnrsssvcesinicneeriaesessons
GSUHS N= ROSES siacsscasvsccsenecsineszssvnccserse
TEIPICANG ciiccdisstiosnuiineninnns
UCAS FAI soit cxissstizecseteeerinees
OSCE TED: secsisivcninanisadeconmasianocisbaads
BONNET OS vite davavtscseneeaseuasaarcdanncenss 1,295
BUR VV GES sasecadeciaveanevcacsiccreaestansiaviess 1,295
Streetfighter IT ........ccccccccssssccccssscccces 1,350
Tales From The Crypt ...........ccsscceees 2,050
RNG THUAN si ccsxssccennseasavinsisasncasecenves 1,150
ROO’ OTE GUE vencssccssssasssicsnvsesesessasevas 1,675
ZOTMMUIY sccsicsssstrierdintoncicceriassemnsensenes 1,995
TP WHIDDE ZOMG sssskisvctseenscsacaniearciacsusies 1,950
WDC UG siiccecioumummaccxameucan 1,795
WWE Royal Rumble ................ccee008 1,850

Pinballs (new)

Freddy ........cccceeeee 25095
Maverick ............. 2,895
Rescue 911 .......... 2,375
Shaq Attaq........ CALL

Largest Inventory of
Used Equipment in
America
including
Pinballs, Pool Tables
Videos (U/R’s & S/D’s)
Jukes & Redemption
Equipment of All Kinds

0 Sheraton] 2 :

GREEN COIN PIG PICKI

sama
I-20 West | Y] 71 I-20 East

SCCOA
7 |N
O Im
A
© |1 LL ERYE ROAD
N
L e°¢ AUCTION ¢°
ie S || Sharpe Music Co. |
B us 6182 N. Main St.
: cacmeimenanes —
E
ATE
T

S.C.C.0.A. SHOW
FEB. 24th, 25th & 26th, 1995
at the
Sheraton Hotel
and Convention Center
2100 Bush River Road
(On I-20), Columbia, SC

AUCTION
GREEN COIN MACHINES
13th ANNUAL AUCTION
Friday, Feb. 24th—10 a.m.
Sharpe Music Co.
6182 N. Main Street

9 7:30 PM AT THE SHERATON
FOLLOWING THE AUCTION

MACHINE
DISTRIBUTORS
INC.

2961 Drywall Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(803) 626-1900 ¢ FAX 448-9899
Ask for Royce

2560 Overton Crossing
Memphis, TN 38127
(901) 353-1000 FAX 353-1155
Ask for Jan or Blake

3701 1-55 South
Jackson, MS 39212
(601) 371-1000 FAX 371-1259
Ask for Jay

; C B

Zz ey i S
10,000 BOARDS
CALL FOR LIST

C&P DISTRIBUTING
TEL: 219-256-1138
FAX: 219-256-1144

S-LINE
POKER
BOARDS
800-966-9873

KWM 100
DROP COIN
MECHS

alia mtcas TO QUARTERS OR TOKENS
HOLIMS DIYLOaATaA HALIM ALATAHNOO

“iow $14, 95x

at volume orders

MONARCH
1-800-462-9460

PLAY METER

|) American Lock Company

MODEL 2000 —— eit cies
AS LOW AS $ 17.97 ge~ =
SHOWN WITH 825 HASP | | = ( (gum SERIES H10

| ee AS LOWAS $ 13.17

5/8" CAMLOCK
AS LOW AS $ 3.01
7/8" CAMLOCK
AS LOW AS $ 3.22
1-1/8" CAMLOCK
AS LOW AS $ 3.43

SECURITY BAR HASPS

2" AS LOW AS $ 1.27
AS LOW AS $ 2.45
AS LOW AS $ 2.69
AS LOW AS $ 3.98

HASPS
825 AS LOW AS $ 4
875 AS LOW AS $ 3.3
885 AS LOW AS $ 3.5
$ 4
$ 4

525 AS LOW AS NO. 1 AS LOW AS Ds
535 AS LOW AS NO. 3 AS LOW AS $ 4.
NO. § AS LOW AS ‘5
. 7 AS LOW AS

INNER CYLINDER LOCK oo
MODEL 8300 Q) }-) ; , gf
AS LOW AS $ 5.39 G4...

SHROUDED PADLOCK SERIES 700
MODEL 5300 AS LOW AS $ 14.54 een
AS LOW AS $ 18.93 oacon | SERIES 702 | Bz
MODEL 5360 ec AS LOW AS $ 13.34 | ro

AS LOW AS $ 22.05

- SEND US A KEY - WE CAN KEY ANY - 99% OF ALL AMERICAN ORDERS ARE
PADLOCK OR CAMLOCK TO YOUR # - SHIPPED WITHIN 24 HOURS -

PATT CORPORATION 800-621-4418
1335 S MICHIGAN AVE _CHICAGO IL 60605 312-939-7616

Dramen Electronics
Call (800) 638-7772
FAX (919) 859-0297

PINBALL DISPLAYS

4 Digit 13.25
6 Digit 13.25
7 Digit 11.50
7 Character Alpha 19.25
14 Digit Bally 31.50

14 Chara. Data East 28.25
16 Character Alpha 30.25

Dot Matrix
DM 128x16 48.75
Dot Matrix
DM 128x32 (tube only) 49.75
Dot Mattrix

DM 128x32 Assembly 113.50

Displays Used in Data East, Bally, Williams,
Gottlieb and Premier.
Call for Quantity Discounts (919) 859-0188 (800) 638-7772
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

MANUFACTURERS MAY VARY DUE TO AVAILABILITY AND PRICE.
WE GUARANTEE PARTS TO BE COMPATIBLE.

154 FEBRUARY 1995

NOTICE: Games of Tennessee is not associated with
Middle Tennessee Games or
Brian Riddle in any way.
The Sweet Deals are at
Games of Tennessee

1-300-456-6352

February Special!
* Cherry Angel pc board
$295.00

Authorized Distributors for
AAT)

= EEBURG

6 attractive cabinet styles
light walnut or dark mahogony

Games of Tennessee
1220 W. Jackson St. ¢ Shelbyville, TN 37160
615-684-0100
800-456-6882
Fax 615-685-0144

Wom ICI MIKI MoM RIM IYO ALI I Ke

PLAY METER 155 FEBRUARY 1995

PHONE THIS NUMBER
1-800-849-7763

FORTHE LARGEST SELECTION OF
VIDEO GAME SECURITY BARS

NEW KIDDIE RIDES
MADE IN THE U.S.A.

Solid State Engineering * Lightweight * Durable Weatherproof
American made replacement parts ¢ Universal base for all rides
High-security coinbox ¢ Heat-treated strips for construction

Wal-Mart Truck

Your Wal-Mart managers will love to have this
truck welcoming customers to their stores.
Children will love to imagine they are “‘truck-

4
“et

ing” favorite toys to their local Wal-Mart Store.
It’s availabe only to authorized Wal-Mart ven-
dors.

446

> ey,
" Sf J
“ Paes

4
‘7

Tug Boat

The foghorn’s roar will summon young riders
to a magical voyage in the company’s newest
piece. As with other Dudley rides, it fits on a

universal base and has a high-security coinbox

and post.

A-1 PRODUCTS

Phone TOLL FREE: 1-800-849-7763

PHONE OR FAX 1-919-728-5311
Route 1, Box 654A, Hwy. 101, Beaufort, NC 28516

Kiddie Amusements

P. O. Box 939 « Florence, MS 39073

601-845-7501 + 800-647-6460

“Someday you'll need us!”

Eldorado Games

BC-9 Conversion Kit
SAVES HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS
FROM BUYING NEW CHANGERS
Converts a BC-9 to BC-35

¢ $1/$5 Acceptance
¢ Solid state, self-diagnosing computer
¢ Installs in minutes

Flat-Rate
Board Exchanges

e Videos--from Space Invaders
to Champions

e Pinballs--All Bally, Stern, and
early Williams

¢ Counter Top Ready For Board
To Order Call: e 25” Wells Gardner Universal

616-245-8235 Cabinet Ready For Kit $850.00
e 8-Lines & Cherries P.C.B.

U.P.S. SHIPPABLE

CALL TOLL FREE

1-800-800-3903

e Hard-to-Find parts available
including manuals &
schematics

Low Rates
Fast Service
Call for
ola Ca ime [I fey a=

714-555-3500

(**new address**)
911 South East St.
Anaheim, CA 92805

S-LINE
POKER

25¢ PER PLAY PINBALL

Allows you to set the newest pinballs
for 25¢ per play. Comes with
complete instructions and new score
cards. $40. each, 3/$100.
TWO-BIT SCORE 512-447-8888

BOARDS
800-966-9873

PLAY METER 156 FEBRUARY 1995

PLATINUM PLUS
15 AMP
POWER SUPPLY

No METER REQUIRED TO
ADJUST THIS POWER SUPPLY

RED L.E.D. LIGHT WILL TURN GREEN
WHEN +5 VOLT IS SET PROPERLY !

FEATURING 1 Full Year Warranty

* +5 V...15 Amp
* +12V...3Amp
* -5V...1Amp
* Computer Quality - Low Noise
* Dual AC inputs 115/230 AC
(selectable)
* COMPLETE overload protection
* Short Circuit protection
Built-in EMI line filter
100% Burn-in tested
Slim Line, Compact, Light Weight ¥
Stk. No. 30920 - U.S.A. 15 Amp Power Supply

* 1 Year Warranty Dimensions: 7" x 41/4" x 1 3/16"
Weight: 1.84 Lbs.

Patent Pending

Huntingdon Valley Industrial Center
BLT inc 3983 Mann Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
per sic shem ce (215) 322-3232 (FAX) 215-322-3238
a ervice
51991 —e 1-800-666-7776

GREAT WESTERN ue.
TRADING POST

480 Shelley St. Suite E
Springfield, OR 97477
(503) 726-1813 FAX (503) 726-7413
(800) 466-2424

WANTED!

YOUR OLD
PC. BOARDS

WE BUY, SELL, AND
TRADE NEW AND USED
P.C. BOARDS AND

TRADE YOUR OLD KITS. d
BOARDS FOR NEW OR PLEASE GIVE USA
TURN THEM INTO CALL!

CASH!

ITS HERE!

SAMURAI SHODOWN 2!
_ AVAILABLE AT A SPECIAL PRICE WITH A NEO 1°
SLOT BOARD! |

Adults, teenagers, kids compete against the clock or each
other— individually, one-on-one or in teams— while
building confidence, fitness and high self-esteem.

Call or fax for new catalog information.

PENTES DESIGN INC.

1346 Hill Road * Charlotte, NC 28217 * 704 552-5400

Guaranteed!!!
We are committed to your

bak i AN a
100% satisfaction!
30 Day Warranty FAX YOUR REQUEST TO

No hassle, No Questions, 503-726-7413
7 Day Return Policy

Try it and like it, or send it back.

BELITA II

PORTABLE
COIN COUNTER |

Electric or

Ask FOR THE PUCK STOPS HERE sy name

The Original Air Hockey Safety Shield

© PRACTICALLY ELIMINATES TABLE- me 1000’s IN USE THROUGHOUT
SIDE INJURIES & COSTLY THE USA, UK, CANADA, MEXICO
PROPERTY DAMAGE ; ie AND AUSTRALIA
© ARCADE TESTED , a ,
© DOESN'T AFFECT TABLE PLAY oN SEED, gf CURRENTLY IN USE AT:

e Automatic stop ¢ Inexpensive

e Lightweight (only 10 Ibs.)

e Counts up to 1500 coins per minute

e Counts all sizes coins or tokens

e Long lasting—requires very little
maintenance

e Bagholder included

e Very useful—very convenient in
all locations

Write or Fax For Prices,
Details and Catalog

* IMAGINATION LEISURE * DYNAMO x _ U.S. BILLIARDS

¢ Increased player appeal! ¢ Ask your distributor for ““‘THE PUCK STOPS

¢ Demand the 9-inch shields with the angle! HERE” by name!

¢ Made from virtually indestructible space age ¢ Insist on the original or call direct and save the
material! sales tax!

e Increase Revenue ... Decrease lost pucks and ¢ When your customers’ safety and your liability
expense from downtime! are at stake. . .specify the quality product!

PLASTITECH PRODUCTS, INC.
(903) 757-0543 000.2538. 1-800-933-0145

PLAY METER 158 FEBRUARY 1995

4 GIANT COIN MACHINE

PANE ow gfe], b=

OPERATORS & DISTRIBUTORS-COIN MACHINE CONSIGNMENT

e JUKEBOXES e BINGOS e FLIPPERS e CRANES
eVIDEOS e POOL TABLES e PINBALLS e REDEMPTION

KNOXVILLE, TN
SAT., MARCH 4, 1995 - 10:00 A.M.

Location: Knoxville Convention Center - 525 Henley Street - Phone: (615) 544-5371
Motel Reservations: World’s Fair Holiday Inn ¢ 615-522-2800
Mention Auction Game Sales for $62.00 Rate
Over 1200 Games in November--TN Lic. #1623

GREENVILLE, SC
SAT., APRIL 1, 1995 - 10:00 A.M.

Location: Palmetto Expo Center

Exposition Avenue - Phone: (803) 233-2562
Directions: From Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA
From I-85, take I-385 North to Greenville. Take the South Pleasantburg Drive Exit. Turn left at the
second traffic light, by Krispy Kreme, onto Tower Drive. The Palmetto Expo Center will appear on
your left before you reach the Greenville Municipal Airport.
Motel Rerservations: Phoenix Motel (across street from Expo)
Phone: 803-233-4651 Mention Auction Games Sales for $50 rate.
Auctioneer Johnny King SCAL #2262
NOTE (This Auction Only): Check-in time Fri. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. or Sat. 8 a.m.-10 a.m.

KNOXVILLE, TN
SAT., MAY 6G, 1995 - 10:00 A.M.

Location: Knoxville Convention Center

* TERMS-FULL PAYMENT DAY OF ACUTION - CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, OR COMPANY CHECK WITH BANK
LETTER OF GUARANTEE (No Exceptions)

* EQUIPMENT MAY BE CHECK IN: Friday--Noon until 9 PM or Saturday--8 AM until 10 AM

* Applicable state & local sales taxes must be collected unless you provide a current copy of your Sales & Use Tax Permit

CONSIGNMENTS LIMITED--PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM

AUCTION GAME SALES

RICK PARSONS-OWNER & AUCTIONEER
TOLL FREE 1-800-551-0660 @ Fax 615-685-1126

CALL FOR EXPORT INFORMATION ORTO BE ADDEDTO OUR MAILING LIST

PLAY METER 159 FEBRUARY 1995

Dollar Bill / Debit Reader

Cleaning
Cards
Lowest Prices

@ Insist on the best
@ Give us a Call

@ Patent #5,227 226

er on0-94 8-1 932

S-LINE
POKER
BOARDS
800-966-9873

60,000

OF THESE
59990096068
ONE
COUPON
99 9OF96 OOOO

& INDIANATICKET &

FOR ONLY

THESE

|_ai 1
id Saad
a4. a,

oe ae

MUNCIE NOVELTY CO.
Man e PH: 800-428-8640
ovelty FAX: 317-288-3434

PLAY METER

SA-20 PROGRAMER
U-LIFT. | |" ay

Pool Table Mover

C&P DISTRIBUTING
800-526-0080 TEL: 219-256-1138

FAX: 219-256-1144
United

Recreation Equipment, Inc.

THIS MONTH

KILLER INSTINCT
MORTAL KOMBAT
SUPER OFF ROAD
PIT FIGHTER
MAGIC SWORD
CENTIPEDE
SPACE INVADERS

Used 18’ Shuffleboards

Rowe “45”
R.P.M.
“Bubbler”
1045

i Look-A-Like

Pp
Cc
B
Oo
A
R
D
S

1980s Pins,

C&P DISTRIBUTING Videos
TEL: 219-256-1138

FAX: 219-256-1144 i * il
Fa) . 4 8
703-764-1122

MCSE FT Bey
Mark Your Calendars NOW!!!

Thursday, March 23rd e Friday, March 24th
Saturday, March 25th

Reno Convention Center e Reno, NV

For more information, contact:

William T. Glasgow, INC.
16066 South Park Ave. ¢ South Holland, IL 60473

(708) 355-9292 ¢ Fax (708) 3335-4086

160 FEBRUARY 1995

CGaoccutt Board Sales
Happy and More (< Ay OO) ISD -99°S 7 Happy

Valentines alentines
Day 335 Hill Avenue ¢ Nashville, Tennessee 37210 Day
Phone (615) 256-7748 « Fax (615) 256-7523
A BOARD ONLY PRICES Se a a $450.00 re’
S Magical Tonic EER We ene ae SPIES Te! $875.00 Poker/21 JUWaNeSee ee ubGNs eh ecKens Caevaseaseseecaea cemeae tone $300.00
Magical OddS...........c.ccscscsesssseeesesseseseseeeees $675.00 21M 1 POKErMASTET ...........ssseseseeteeeseeeeeees $265.00 U
K Super Cherry Master.........:cccccccccseseeeees $425.00 in 1/Blackjack, C. Master Joker Poker....$250.00
Cherry Master 92 .....ccccccccscessesssssesteseeeeeee $450.00 — RIVIOT A... sss eeseseesesseseeseeseseeseeneeteneeneneenen $875.00 A
Cherry Master a ee OS fee a OE fala eet oe $1 35.00 Foxtronic Saisie DRAGS RAN oie Cael aks Sais eaaewaseurAaeNbeseeaas $450.00 i
A Cherry Bonus III (w/satellite) .......cccceee. SIE OO: . MUNDO POKGM M wessccsescenccinevensasionssanevesseneneinin $475.00
Cherry Bonus III (w/o satellite) ................. $235.00 G.I. Joker POO sxsisctavvirmnenesinunvennctones $450.00 v
Re Cherry Bonus Il ........cccccscssseseseseseseeeeeseseees ee EME TA FAAS hves sassewraitracaanrin piereeeuensniverennumneis $650.00
oO CE TA CINIG echo sconcatvvainasveeinenecomomcceait $200.00 905 DOUDIE UP... see eeeeseseeeseeteseeteeseeens $650.00 J
Cherry Delight .....0...c:ccccccccscsescceseseeeseseeees $435.00 BOS DOUBDIC UP scssinccincsnencecnaccsnececnnsantnieos $550.00
U Cherry ANGE] ....ccccccccccsssssseesecsecsesseavesveseen $250.00 SMS Draw 80..........ecececesreeeeeseeeeesees $1025.00 T
T Lucky 8 (W-4) ..cccccccccsccceseseeesseseeeeseeeceeevee ROTI OUDOD ROK ccisccmriecrananucmnanpiancsatenenios $750.00
Fever Chance (W-6) FORCE LTE ee IA NN $225.00 Top Draw rere staRUneAsd HeeROReepeabenedetnreTad neen es $450.00 Y
Skill Chance (W-7) ....cccccsccccesseceeeeesesseseeee $AH.00 §GIAYMOUN SIN 1 ssn cersevessecsenssneesecencenensens $475.00
Bonus Chance (W-8)...c.ccccccccsssssesseseeeeeeees Em Of) SSTAYNOUNG SUDEM vcansnisstsescionvciorsciniversonenas $475.00
© Lucky Gold (W-10) cosssssscccscsscccssssssssssssseee $300.00 BILL ACCEPTOR PRICES ip
U LUCKY Star (W=11) ..cccscecsesencesssansarserasannsane $575.00 = MarS VEMC4 oo... ecescsescsscsesessssessssestseesseeees $325.00
Lachey Bells (WV-15) scaiecanissenaenarneriesnssateens $695.00 == Mars VEMC5 ....cccccsccccseseeseseesesesteeesveveseseees $340.00 i
R Lstnehey arriba (WAT) socsnnsicvnirsserinsnnsracionninie $700.00 Mars GL-B vvecssssssssssssssssessssesssvsssseeeseveeeeee $399.00
Lucky | sais uscaaucedeen civeicscdieretmocaieratebvalels $675.00 Mars VFM-4 w/up STACKET...........cccccccccccece $399.00 |
LO Frock spn nscinasnaenurnnciameenemamdaninaiiond $575.00 = Mars VEM-5 W/Stacker ...ecccccccecceccesececeeeees $440.00 Cc
& LANE Tt aissscecitesinsibinennrepninactsiynintinceseinoateal dinate $700.00 CBV $1-5-10-20-50-100......ccccccccccceceeeseees $299.00
I ERGY DO) sisacectasacceemincenmanaunenia merece PODOOO' — JOWN s oxnssisinseavasnlen iacaduscnasvnctserveineayrsr sien eal $260.00 E
LUCKY Girl .........esesssesseesseseeesseseeseeneeneneees MODE BOS seach rcasnrrencmates eretiansieanece: $299.00
E Lucky Bingo sseidigin du bind emiewia Rewee ace Memon Rene eeeveceeanciees $575.00 Cash Code “Amazing” Peet Rae ee a ee Aer $250.00 S$
E BINGO Carnivall....scccsssessecsressncserarreeseasasass BOSE SURO i iesisssesnscsunseeiasanraaiuonvvceeiabanles $189.00
SUDO LING BNO siccvescsncensrsévxssvccsevicvncieses $225.00
BUlpet? acon conc omerctevanece 327800 _ ACCESSORIES & PARTS
SOR Bic ccciancrccotesinincamteemetuausinneicots $400.00 Ticket Dispensers & YO)...........-..::e $325.00 A
D WICREE G sraceisccsssissnasanecascenssesasnaissscentinesntenssis $400.00 Ticket Printers & Interface ..............ee $795.00
2 EA OIE SEER $200.00 19” Wells-Gardner Monitor ............--ses00 $235.00 V
E Po cosauleicinaluaidionshemebadelaan $200.00 13° Wells-Gardner Monitor ..............:000 $225.00
L Fes aces cssissuvceciecrestosseneieees isinsaocenbeons $300.00 19° Sharp Monitors........... esses $195.00 A
BOGAN accirictccasaciocsvexnaiencaeienceenoswadenae $350.00 13” Sharp Monitors........... esses $185.00
i THOASUTS ISNA oc casiexeuseeravensesecesuceasvcascsicnes $400.00 15 AMP Power Supply ..........:eceseeeeeeeeees $32.95 i
V Treasure [sland 94, ...ccicsssssrssivasensrisestenisers $425.00 150 Watt Computer Power Supply............. $44.00 L
SHI UH iccicacscarsoseirenpscpahditavaice cenneaciseieeessn $350.00 Wiring Harness & Buttons........... eee $65.00
Ee SUSAN decedent listenin asta nate SEN0 G0, - PIGS wsisenansnannccoiannnnmmanandancionndns $25.00 A
R CRIT SI csi cesses donetararactnccanmedtionamiaiond $350.00 PFOQrSSiVe Kits ............sseessessseeneeeeeeens $325.00
y DyMasty ...cccscscssescsseccsseessssecessesesseesssesenses $650.00 Empty Cabimets....ncsssisciesssnsisenrssrrssonterenm $225.00 B
PAN ea iesiccn cturacetaarceencannts Wawapaniaioceepeiosagen $275.00
FNS ER aa paces cansshen ni gtcenidcanceldmaiearslie $295.00 New & Used Pool Tables .............ccceeeeee CALL L
Happy Jackie.......c.cccccescsssessssssseeseseeeeeeees $300.00 New & Used Jukeboxes 0.0... eeseeseteteeeees CALL E
CALL!! Reconditioned PCBs......starting at $75 CALL!!
FEBRUARY SPECIALS NEW
Wolff Tanning
Tommy New Lucky 8-Lines ALL NEW USED IGT BEOs
ee w/HSV-300 SUPER CHERRY DRAW 80 (no DBA)
MASTER $800 24 Bulb Wrap-
$1,000.00 w/CASH CODE DBA w/DBA...$950 pee
7 and Up....$995.0 $1475.00 $2700.00
NEW FOXTRONIC .
!
—— All Parts Brand New! | | NEW LUCKY &-LLINES POKERS w/HSV-300
oin /HSV-300 & Ticket
Counters 8-LINE GAM ES pee nena ah ab sl ao Bulb
w/$1-20 & ticket $1850.00 NEW DRAW 80 $2400.00
$675.00 disp. POKERS w/HSV-300
$1,395.00 NEW 19” GAMES $1,950.00 Super 30 Bulb
Cherry Master PCB....$135.00 Rivieria Hi-Score USED RIVIERA POKERS $2 ve 00
Cherry Master Kit........215.00 $1,895.00 w/$1 - $20...$1,200 :

PLAY METER 161 FEBRUARY 1995

FAS), oT

ONE-PERSON POOL TABLE LIFT

in sa

CONVENIENTLY STORES UNDER TABLE
¢ 3” Lift ¢ Heavy Duty 5" Casters
¢ Reduce Injury Claims ¢ Reduce Service Calls
¢ Use With Pool Tables, Air Hockey, Foosball, etc.

¢ UPS Shipping Weight 56 pounds

Order Yours Today!

900-521-6372 ===A\I/y RIE GH

218-741-6075
Made in the USA

Harness of Quality
Amusement and Industrial

CUSTOM, JAMMA, 8-LINE

ADAPTOR BOARDS
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS

Louise's Harness Shop, Inc.

100 Spring Street
Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674

1-800-365-1941
FAX 1-205-381-6180

PLAY METER

162

ooo

ee et ge ee rn SR RE a pr en re
Pye oe pe mcoees ot * SS iter +) patie sneer s :

t . eS

| LATINO Jukebox Top 30 |
|] FOR MONTH ENDING DECEMBER 1994 __ |

COMPILED FOR COMPACT DISC |
JUKEBOX OPERATORS

i ARTIST

| | GRACIAS MUJER BANDA MACHOS

La 2 | EN CONCIERTO LOS TEMERARIOS J}

| : Z INOLVIDABLES LOS TIRANOS DEL NORTE |

AYER Y HOY ANA GABRIEL :

| ae JACARANDOSA BANDA ZETA |
ME RINDO LOS INVASORES |

LOS DOS PLEBES LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE

ee ae ee ee
; Le

RECORDANDO ALOS PANCHOS VICENTE FERNANDEZ ff

EGE SEE EE EE TEES

,
’

oP PEER et et g eeree

j EL PRINCIPE RAMON AYALA, JR. f
“4 |
| 16 REALES HITS BANDA MACHOS f[
SUPER EXITOS SONORA DINAMITA }

EPP EP HPF!

WING LATINO BANDA BLANCA

SONORA DINAMITA |

| ____ REGIONAL Mexi

oy
-_

he Oe neta tebe ce Sow eeee-e worse.

Y SIGUE LA FIESTA SONORA DINAMITA §

GRUPO NICHE

\L/SALS/

ew ewer

&
=

CB Wand Ed Sed eed Hd Had Bed 9 nd dd 0 dd Bad Bd Ld Bad

|
i.
be
2
s

2
>
_

:
t
ace |
: ™
:
s
ae |
t
=3

|
7
Be avery aor

t
i
f

SR a Ren mt er ett Set cpten: on Rn neers pimer ort ene
‘ 3 part ;
; iy :

LASICOS DE LA PROVINCIA CARLOS VIVES |

—

TED SE QUEDA AQUI... WILFRIDO VARGAS |

a ae eet ee

Bb Sto eee Der TA OPC

SS aie —

MM MEGA MIX VARIOUS ARTISTS f§

LO NUEVO & LO MEJOR JERRY RIVERA !

L MERENGUE SE BAILA PEGAO SERGIO VARGAS

ase

No. 1

: AMOR PROHIBIDO SELENA |
. TE CONQUISTARE LOS FUGITIVOS |
= VIDA LA MAFIA
; THE BEST ANA GABRIEL |

en BE a de ee So

Bet BLM fd EE Sct Hoes Bed Med Hed BS a Ee

| ‘s SEGUNDO ROMANCE LUIS MIGUEL |
E ROMANCE LUIS MIGUEL |
[7 [= [rears weno
: : EL CAMINO DEL ALMA CRISTIAN |

, 7 | ENAMORATE FAMA

—

; = | CARINO DE MIS CARINOS LUCERO |
SAMPLING BY THE LATIN JUKEBOX, G. GROVE, CA. BASED |

ON ACTUAL JUKEBOX PLAY REQUESTS. To orver cat

a ee oe

Th whey Ra ute

oo ]
i
;

}
‘
t

i
i
4

5
|
;
}

2 A RR RR rg IR Be tt re tt eet ne me ~r
hy, ML Et . i Pay) x

caneer gna AT Rane Ite ppere~cmses mene emma ren wee
fre ‘ PAAR akc? EER :
; = 3

a wath hd cote See see I GS SST ees eae biases AE Rae, A a AR EES ak eal yt

FEBRUARY 1995

en) re rg gee ne =

— > ees

VIDEO CONNECTION 1150 INDUSTRIAL PL., #110, DIXON CA 95620
COMPLETE FACTORY KITS

ALL KITS CONTAIN: Legal PC. Board, Marquee, Overlay, Wire Harness, Stick, Buttons & Instructions!

Great 1,000 Mile Rally (Driving Masterpiece) ...... Earth Defense Force (2 PI., Full New Space Kit)......295
Primal Rage (Newly Released as a Kit) .............. CALL Captain Commando (2-4 Pl., Top Capcom Piece) 295
Raiden DX (2 PI., w/Continuous Rapid Fire) ........ 1395 Martial Champion (2 PI., 10 Fighters w/All New Moves)....295
Mortal Kombat Il (2 Pl., #1 Hit Kit for 1994).......... 1295 Fighters History(2 PI., plugs into SF Il Six Button) .......... 295
Dark Stalker (2 Pl., Capcom's Latest 6 Button Hit) ...... 1250 U.S. Classic (Top Notch Golf w/trackball) .............. 250
NBA Jam PCB & Marg....495 or NBA Tour.Ed. Kit ...1195 Cal. 50 (2 Pl, Superb War Game Shoot-um Up)...... 195
World Rally (Incl. Steering Wheel, Shifter & Pedal) ..1095 | HighImpact (2-4 Pl., Bone Crushing Football Action) ...... 195
Gals Panic Il (Vert. Digitized Models Strip to Buff)....1050 © MVPor Major League (Excellent Baseball Action).......... 195
Raiden Il (2 Pl., Ex. Sequel for vert. monitor) .......... 995 Slam Masters (2-3-4 PI., Top Wrestling Adventure).......... 195
Krazy Bowl (Newest Bowling Action) ................... 795 Simpsons (2-4 Pl., America’s Favorite Cartoon) ....195
Eagle Shot Golf (Excellent for Bar or Tavern) ........ 795 Street Fighter Il Champion Edition (Full Kit) ........ vo
Twin Eagle Il (2 Pl., Vert. Digitized Heli Shoot-um Up) ........ 695 ‘Relief Pitcher (2 PI, Ex. Realistic BB Home Run!)..175
Blood Storm (2 Pl., Outrageous Battle to the Finish) ....675 Karate Blazers or Ninja Kids(2-4 PI.).................... 175
Cowboys of Moo Mesa (2-4 PI., Ex. Shoot-um Up)....595 Growl (2-3 PI., Indiana Jones Adventure Trek)........ 175
Sunset Riders (2-4 PI., Wild Western Top Earner) ...495 Team Quarterback (Vert. Football Action).............. 150
Peek-a-Boo (“R’”-Rated Strip Tease Arkanoid)........ 495 Arch Rivals (2 PI., Supurb Basketball Brawl).......... 150
Tetris (2 Pl., Finest Novelty Piece Ever!!)................ 495 Ameridarts (Video Darts for Hort. or Vert.) ............ 150
9 Ball Shootout (Excellent New Pool Game) ........ 495
Cool Pool (Strip Tease Pool Tavern Pieces)............ 495
Raiden (2 PI., Excellent Flying Masterpiece) .......... 475
Mortal Kombat (2 Pl., #1 Hit-Full Kit) ........00..00.. 450
Capcom Bowling (Excellent Tavern Piece w/Trackball)....450
Aero Fighter (2 PI., Excellent Airplane Shoot-um Up) ...... 395
Super Street Fighter Turbo (“B Kit’ with exchange) ........ 350
Varth Op. Thunderstorm (2 PI, Flying Action Like Raiden) ....350

Big Event Golf (Excellent Bar Piece) ................... 350
Time Killers (2 Pl., Warriors Battle to the Death) ....325 We Will Meet or Beat Any Price
Total Carnage (2 PI., Cartoon Style War Games) ..325

Arkanoid for Cocktail Tables ..........................0000. EXPERT VIDEO GAME REPAIR

Neo-Geo 1 or 2 Slot (with one free cartridge). . Reduced
Samurai Shodown Il (Hottest New Cartridge) .. 375
King of Fighters..295 or Super Side Kicks Il. . . 250
Gururin (like Tetris)..150 or Bust A Move

Mortal Kombat Il (Like New Ded. w/25”" Monitor) ..1850 MS Pac or Centipede or Milipede Tables........
NBA Jam (4 PI. Dedicated w/25” Monitor) ......... 1395 Badlands (w/2 steering wheels & pedals)........ 495
9 Ball Shootout (Ded. Brand New w/25” Monitor) ..1195 Pole Position II (w/steering wheel, shifter & pedal). . . 495
(2) Neo-Geo 1-Slots in Nintendo Dual Monitor Cab ..895 Buggie Challenge or Speed Buggy or APB..... 395
Mortal Kombat! (Ded. w/25” Monitor) ............. 895 Numerous 9’&13’Color Poker/Trivia Countertops. . 395-695
Super Off Road (3 PI., w/steering wheel and gas pedals) .795 = SENTE Stocker (w/steering wheel, shifter & pedal)... . .

FREE--FREE--FREE We do Expert Conversions § Sé Habla

: Espanol!
New Catalog--Just Printed Call Toll Free: 4
1-800-44-Hot-Kits © (1-800-444-6854)
Ph: (916) 678-5189 © Fax: (916) 678-1313

wisa BUY*SELL*eTRADE s&

Free With the Purchase of 3 Kits
Samurai Shodown Cartridge or one additional kit
(call for list)

CALL FOR OUR FREE CONVERSION KIT

NEWSLETTER (OVER 200 KITS LISTED!) WE SHIP WORLDWIDE

February 8-12
TAE ‘95, Taiwan Amusement
Exhibition, China External
Trade Development Center,
Taipei, Taiwan. Contact Cre-
ative International Public Re-
lations, 02-746-6860; FAX 02-
746-6875.

February 24-26
South Carolina Coin Opera-
tors Association Annual
Meeting, Sheraton Conven-
tion Center, Columbia, S.C.
Contact Helen Sikes, (803)

_ 345-2038.

March 7-8
AmEx ‘95, 16th Irish Amuse-
ment Trade Exhibition, Green
Isle Hotel, Naas Road, Clon-
dalkin, Dublin, Ireland. Con-
tact Susan Feery, 045-21190 or
+353-45-21190; FAX 0045-21438
or 353-45-21438.

March 23-25
American Coin Machine
Expo, Reno Convention Cen-
ter, Reno, Nev. Contact
William T. Glasgow Inc., (708)
333-9292; FAX (708) 333-4086.

April 20-22
National Automatic Merchan-
dising Association Western
Convention and Trade Show,
Reno/Sparks Convention
Center, Reno, Nev. Contact
NAMA Convention Dept.,
(312) 346-0370.

May 11-13
Ist E3, Electronic Entertain-
ment Expo, Los Angeles Con-
vention Center, Los Angeles,
Calif. Call (800) 800-5474 or
(415) 349-4300; FAX (415) 349-
7482.

May 20-23
Amusement and Music Oper-
ators Association Govern-
ment Affairs Conference,
Washington, D.C. Contact
AMOA, (312) 245-1021; FAX
(312) 245-1085.

PLAY METER

CALENDAR

May 20-24
American Amusement Ma-
chine Association Legislative
Conference, Washington, D.C.
Contact AAMA, (708) 290-
9088.

May 26-June 3
15th Valley National Eight-
Ball League Association In-
ternational Championships,
Riviera Hotel and Casino, Las
Vegas, Nev. Contact Gregg El-
liott, (800) 544-1346.

June 6-11
3rd Expo Diversiones,
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
Tel. 52-3-614-3015; FAX 52-3-
647-8839.

June 23-25
5th Valley National Eight-Ball
League Association Interna-
tional Junior Championships,
Mayo Civic Center, Rochester,
Minn. Contact Gregg Elliott,
(800) 544-1346.

July 27-29
12th Annual Billiard Congress
of America International
Trade Expo, The Sands Expo
and Convention Center, Las
Vegas, Nev. Contact Frank
Zdy, (619) 278-3877; FAX (619)
268-9372.

August 23-25
4th Asia Pacific Theme Parks
and Attractions Conference
and Exhibition, Singapore In-
ternational Convention and
Exhibition Centre, Singapore.
Tel. (65) 222-8550; FAX (65) 226-
3264.

September 21-23
Amusement and Music Oper-
ators Association Expo ‘95,
New Orleans Convention
Center, New Orleans, La.
Contact AMOA (312) 245-1021;
FAX (312) 321-6869.

164

ROE oc noscincadsedtsoesemsnese an 71
American Changer .............. 91
American Laser Games............ 9
BOO essdecuncedasedeetumoaedse 97
BPACHINGs cc cnwseuecenswakbwedans 19
Andy EXDOIG. cc dciwnivccunenwanes 8
Be cssvopcsswesadecasndedvaente 21
BACON LOCK no csccsuctevecaiadevwe 78
Benchmark Entertainment ...... 41
Bob's Space Racers.............. 90
CLElectronics.................. 105
CAO CO cctiineseed peadseaanneoes 49
CGN GOOG icc cccaasanancesnaawees 65
Coastal Amusements............ 61
Coin ConneXion ................. 87
Deltronic Labs................... 62
Sage CO. UG. co dsckscdennesds 75,77
Fun Center Software ............ 92
Fun Merchants.......... Cover 2, 33
Great American Billiards ........ 105
Harris Miniature Golf ........... 108
Hoffman & Hoffman.............. 4
TAGE rwavesecncuravcndsaekionwas 5
Just Kiddie Rides.......... 11, 23, 47
PALE WU wacuedesesecaccana% 31, 63
Man. dscocamaverchesadennes 108
Merit Industries ................. 53
Namco-America.............. 14-15
National Ticket.................. 55
New Orleans Novelty ............ 85
NSM- America ............... 17,45
Pentes Design................... 90
Planet Earth Entertainment . . 51, 67
Playfair Shuffleboard ........... 42
Randy Fromm.................. 115
Roger Williams Mint .............. 6
Rowe International ........ Cover 3
BOOS vcckakbhberuescaseedsusesetes 7
Sega Pinball.................. 83-84
Smart Industries ..... 29, 59, 101-104
| eee ea On ee 35, 37, 79
Star Track Plush................. 36
SUCCESS PIUSH «occ ccsacseawnenas 46
Time Warner Interactive. Cover 4, 43
Valley Recreation ............... 25
Van Brook of Lexington ...... 88, 93
WN Sve cuteegeremiensaea wawee nen 27

FEBRUARY 1995

—— 7
»

a mats nae
““ S14} ‘
yy,

ponerienony em seer ZS Fermaaecrenes Teese Ee Sec iacnieot tancnne Foren 7”
Sue) emo ee ee
!
ee —, . mn i a,

rae. See

,
aes

seer 4 nat
¢? { Z # j is ! -
=p. ee

re it
if

Atteeets
Hse
i

rg?

ff
ii
5

‘ Hii:

perenne S
Ceti tT
i iti

¥
WJ

R CASHBOX

Make It Fast, Make It Easy — Your Customers Will Love It

® ®
*—_
. —
‘*-_
r

N D Whippany, NJ 07981 USA
BE ST (201)887-0400 Fax (201) 887-2851

UNIVERSAL
KIT NOW

AVAILABLE

Be VAL PRIMAL RAGE IS THE
I ene Pong gps PE HOTTEST FIGHTING

aS GAME OF THE YEAR!
WITH INCREDIBLE
EU NLUNG Ea SION Y-WAINIG
i 4 FINISHING SEQUENCES,

M).- a iawn asa Mee ae my ‘ade

Ke: I F A Ie,

AND COOL HIDDEN STUFF,
' Le PRIMAL RAGE HAS IT ALL!

%
ATARI GAMES CORPORATION
675 Sycamore Drive

Milpitas, CA 95035

408-434-3700 ATA R |

GAMES

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Texts

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Play Meter - Volume 21, Number 3 February 1995 (600DPI)"

See other formats